Maharashtra is upgrading 19 secondary Ashram Schools to junior colleges, specifically catering to tribal students. This initiative aims to improve access to higher secondary education within tribal communities, reducing the need for students to migrate to urban areas for education after completing 10th grade.
The Ashram Schools, currently offering education up to Class 10, will now provide courses up to Class 12. The upgrade will include infrastructure development, including additional classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and hostels. A total of ₹128 crore has been sanctioned for this purpose, with each school receiving approximately ₹6.74 crore.
These schools are located in remote and underdeveloped areas across Maharashtra, serving predominantly tribal populations. The upgrade is expected to benefit approximately 6,000 tribal students annually. The decision addresses a long-standing demand from tribal communities for improved educational opportunities closer to home.
The upgrade will offer students the option to pursue Arts, Science, and Commerce streams in Class 11 and 12. The state government intends to appoint qualified teachers for these new junior college sections.
The project is part of a broader effort to enhance educational facilities for tribal students in Maharashtra. The Tribal Development Department is overseeing the implementation of the upgrade, with a focus on ensuring quality education and creating a conducive learning environment. The initiative is anticipated to increase the overall literacy rate and improve socio-economic conditions within tribal communities by providing them with better educational qualifications and opportunities. The government hopes this will also reduce dropout rates among tribal students at the higher secondary level.
