The School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar has proposed the centralisation of all state schools management to the school education department to enhance the efficiency of educational administration. The state schools include those currently overseen by various departments, such as Rural Development, Tribal Development, and Social Justice.
The proposal aimed at centralising school administration under a single department which is expected to be presented at the upcoming state cabinet meeting.
Kesarkar stated, “In recent cabinet meeting we had a discussion on this, and we will move formal proposal in front of cabinet very soon.”
As part of this initiative, tribal ashram schools and other institutions currently managed by the Tribal Development Department will also be integrated into the School Education Department. This integration aims to resolve longstanding issues related to quality and planning deficiencies within these schools. Recent discussions between the principal secretaries of the Tribal Development and School Education departments have brought these concerns to light, prompting the current proposal. A high-level official from the School Education Department confirmed that this matter has reached an advanced stage of discussion within the cabinet.
There are presently 497 government-run ashram schools in the state, accommodating 199,416 students. Additionally, 556 subsidised ashram schools support 241,548 students, and approximately 155 unaided schools serve around 450,000 students. The proposed integration of Adivasi Ashram Schools with the School Education Department has been under review for more than a year.
The Adivasi Department, overwhelmed by the extensive management of these schools, has struggled to implement other development programs effectively. Some officials support the merger, citing concerns about quality and educational standards. However, resistance persists from certain groups due to potential impacts on their interests.
