Maharashtra Issues Action Plan to Boost Enrolment in Tribal Ashramshaalas
The Maharashtra government has released a detailed time-bound action plan aimed at increasing student enrolment in government and aided tribal ashramshaalas to full capacity. Project officers have been directed to conduct village-level surveys, meet parents, and ensure admissions are completed before the academic year begins.
Current Status of Ashramshaalas
The state operates 500 government and 557 aided ashramshaalas under the Tribal Development Department (TDD). According to the TDD, some schools are overenrolled while others have very low attendance, necessitating a uniform and inclusive policy.
Admission Guidelines
Under the new framework, students must be admitted to an ashramshaala within their own project office's jurisdiction, with preference given to the nearest school. Admission to a school under another project office is permitted only after all seats in the home jurisdiction are filled. Each student must be admitted to a school within 80 km of their residence. Parental consent is mandatory for all admissions.
Measures for Schools with Low Enrolment
Schools failing to achieve full enrolment must improve facilities, food quality, and education standards on a time-bound basis. Project officers are required to conduct headmaster meetings before April 25 to ensure complete clarity on the new plan. The department has also instructed teachers to conduct village visits and collect names of potential students, including those who have cleared Class 4, 5, 7, or 8 in Zilla Parishad schools.
Timeline for Admissions
A second round of home visits is to be completed between April 25 and 30, with final admissions confirmed between May 1 and 30. Schools with remaining vacancies must conduct another round of home visits between June 10 and 15.
Promotion and Publicity
Promotion campaigns using WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram, along with street plays at weekly markets, must be run in April. Information about JEE and NEET special coaching available at ashramshaalas must also be publicised.
Incentives and Penalties
Schools achieving 100% enrolment will receive a special entry in staff performance reports and a felicitation at the project level. Schools with less than 70% enrolment face administrative action against responsible staff.
