Maharashtra Education Department Initiates Groundbreaking Survey for Single Mothers' Children
The Maharashtra Education Department has launched a comprehensive data-collection drive to identify children of single mothers studying in government and government-aided schools across the state. This pioneering initiative aims to map the exact number of such students and design targeted support programs for their education.
According to official sources, nearly half of Maharashtra's districts have already submitted their survey data, with the remaining districts expected to complete the process within the next three to four days. The circular issued by the department highlights the extremely difficult financial and social conditions faced by single mothers in Maharashtra, making their children's education particularly challenging.
First Phase of Long-Term Support Initiative
Ramakant Kathmore, Joint Director of Primary Education, emphasized that this survey marks the initial phase of a much larger, long-term effort. "Once all the data is compiled, the department will begin discussions on what schemes and interventions can be introduced for their benefit," Kathmore stated.
The official explained that creating a comprehensive database will enable the government to design effective initiatives tailored to the specific needs of these students. "After analysing the numbers, the government will be able to take informed decisions on providing facilities for these students. We will also examine whether relevant schemes from other departments exist and whether their benefits can be extended," he added.
Grassroots Advocacy Drives Policy Change
The push for this significant move came from Sau Ekal Mahila Samiti, a women's organization that had earlier approached Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, seeking formal recognition of the issue. Heramb Kulkarni, the organization's state convener, stressed that collecting accurate data is critical to shaping meaningful policies.
"Once this data is compiled, it will help sensitise the education department to the difficulties these children face," Kulkarni said, highlighting the urgency of the situation. He revealed that some mothers face such severe financial and social pressure that they resort to extreme measures like child marriage.
"If the system has accurate data, it can help these mothers through various measures like fee concessions for students and prevent such extreme outcomes," Kulkarni emphasized.
Real Stories Highlight Critical Need
Non-governmental organizations have welcomed the initiative, acknowledging that it addresses a long-standing reality. Pradeep Devkule, Founder of Sevavrat Foundation, noted: "Single mothers face a number of hardships. Sometimes even their basic needs are not met. Many are forced to pull their children out of school because there is no stable income. Some take loans just to pay school fees."
The ground reality is reflected in the experiences of women like Shamal Khabale, a cook and mother of two, who confessed: "I still haven't paid my younger child's fees. If we get even a small amount of educational assistance whether through fee concessions or school material it would reduce a huge burden."
Savita Bhuse, a domestic worker, shared similar challenges: "Sometimes I don't get work and can barely rely on my savings. If the government can help with education, life would become much easier."
Rani Mohite, who lost her husband, pointed to another significant obstacle: awareness. "There are schemes, but we don't know about them. I've had to take loans and even sold jewellery just to survive. Help must actually reach those who need it," she urged.
The survey, covering students from classes 1 to 12, represents a crucial step toward creating a more inclusive education system that addresses the specific challenges faced by children from single-parent households. As the data collection nears completion, stakeholders await the government's next steps in transforming this information into actionable support measures.
