Nagpur: In a major push to promote discipline, patriotism and leadership among schoolchildren, the Maharashtra Government plans to make Scout-Guide training mandatory across all schools in the State, bringing nearly 2.10 crore students from 1.08 lakh schools under its ambit.
School Education Minister Dada Bhuse issued directions to officials to expand the programme during a review meeting on Wednesday, outlining a statewide rollout under the department’s ‘Nation First’ approach.
The proposed expansion marks a significant increase from the existing programme, which currently covers around 17.33 lakh students in 30,000 schools. The government intends to extend the initiative to schools across all mediums of instruction, making Scout-Guide activities an integral part of school education.
Two periods every week for patriotic activities
Under the proposed framework, schools will be required to conduct Scout-Guide activities, including parades, marches and drills accompanied by patriotic songs. Two periods every week will be earmarked for these activities under the ‘Ananddayi Shanivar’ (Joyful Saturday) programme.
The initiative is intended to go beyond classroom learning by encouraging teamwork, discipline, physical activity and a sense of national responsibility among students.
Seven-day training for teachers
To ensure effective implementation across the State, teachers will undergo seven days of training at the taluka level. The training is expected to prepare them to conduct Scout-Guide activities and guide students through the programme.
Bhuse said the School Education Department would bear the students’ fees and trainers’ honorariums for the initiative in Zilla Parishad schools, helping facilitate its implementation in government-run institutions.
More marks proposed for Scout-Guide achievers
The government is also considering additional academic incentives for students who excel in Scout-Guide activities.
Bhuse directed officials to prepare a proposal to increase the marks awarded to students receiving prestigious Scout-Guide distinctions. At present, students securing the State Award receive three marks, while those earning the President’s Award are granted 10 marks. The proposed revision seeks to enhance the recognition given to students achieving these honours.
The review meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol, School Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Director Mangesh Joshi, who participated online. Deputy Secretary Tushar Mahajan, Scout-Guide Assistant State Secretary Ramesh Jadhav and other officials from the School Education and Sports Department were also present.
Exam fee relief for drought-hit students
Separately, the Maharashtra Government has directed universities and colleges to waive examination fees for students from drought-affected talukas and refund fees already collected from eligible students. The government has warned of strict action against institutions that fail to comply.
Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil issued the directions during an online meeting with vice-chancellors of public universities on Wednesday. The move is aimed at providing financial relief to students and their families affected by drought.
