In Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a state-level federation representing school principals has called for a minimum of 10% of the District Planning and Development Council (DPDC) funds to be allocated specifically for government-run schools. This demand aims to enhance resources and support for these educational institutions.
“Mandating a minimum 10% reservation of DPDC funds in every district will ensure a steady financial flow for the upkeep and infrastructure development of state-run schools. Other key demands raised by the federation include reducing the teacher-student ratio from 1:30 to 1:20, appointing subject-specific teachers for science, mathematics, languages, and social sciences in upper primary schools, and introducing at least one hour of mandatory computer education in all schools.
This measure will directly benefit students,” said Kailas Gaikwad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district president of the Maharashtra State Upgraded Headmasters’ Federation. Food prepared in a centralised kitchen can be efficiently distributed across multiple schools,” he said. Currently, they are invariably roped into various non-academic tasks, which severely disrupts education,” Gaikwad said.
The association has also pressed for centralisation of the mid-day meal programme and requested that the government directly pay school electricity bills. Addressing the centralisation of the mid-may meal scheme, Gaikwad noted that a centralised kitchen system would guarantee better quality food for students. “Preparing meals at the school level is a daily, arduous task. Additionally, the federation reiterated its demand to relieve school staff from all non-academic duties. “Teachers and staff need to focus entirely on classroom teaching and school-related responsibilities. Maharashtra school education minister Dadaji Bhuse could not be reached for comment.