State board students at a disadvantage due to language policy, says Maharashtra SCERT director

Highlighting disparities in language instruction across educational boards, Maharashtra SCERT Director Rahul Rekhawar on June 27 pointed out that students in state board-run schools face a disadvantage under the existing two-language system.

"Only two languages are taught in state board-run schools from Std I, whereas three languages are taught in all other medium schools of all boards. Thus, children studying in state board schools are at a disadvantage. Therefore, the students of Marathi- and English-medium state board schools have been provided the option of learning a third Indian language," an official release said, quoting Rekhawar.

He was speaking at a high-level, state-wide review meeting of the education department held in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

During his address, Rekhawar also called for urgent readiness to implement the proposed National Credit Framework for school education.

"The credit system will be helpful for students in competing at higher levels of studies in their academic career," he said.

The two-day meeting, the first major education department event of its kind in the city, brought together senior officials, including education department principal secretary Ranjit Singh Deol and education commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh.

Key agenda items included drafting an action plan for 'Vision 2024–27,' updating the NEP tracker, launching Period Assessment Tests, increasing enrollment in Adarsh and PM Shri schools, establishing Eco Clubs, and promoting addiction-free campuses.

The meeting also addressed plans for surprise inspections, student safety measures, accidental insurance for students, and stricter action against unauthorized schools.

School Education Minister Dada Bhuse, who joined the meeting later in the day, urged officials to work together to meet the expectations of students and parents.

"We have made a rocking start to the new academic year by holding grand welcoming programs across the state. It is now our duty to provide quality education and offer all facilities and amenities to students," he said.