In an important development taken by the government of Maharashtra, an announcement was made that higher education for girls from the economically weaker section(EWS) and socially and economically backward section (SEBC) will be made free.

 

This development aimed at promoting women’s education and to increase the literacy rate of women. The decision was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by CM Eknath Shinde. Additionally, tuition and exam fees for orphaned students of both genders will be waived, as per a government resolution.

 

The scheme which will start from this academic year 2024-25  the  is expected to cost Rs 906 crore. The GR specifies that female students applying to recognized vocational courses through the Centralized Admission Process in government, aided private, semi-aided private, and non-aided colleges, as well as polytechnics, autonomous government universities, and open universities, will benefit from this initiative.

 

The courses covered include those in higher and technical education, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, animal husbandry, pisciculture, and dairy development.