The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved a series of decisions aimed at strengthening education infrastructure in tribal and rural regions, including the upgradation of ashram schools and the establishment of a new government engineering college in Solapur.
At a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, the cabinet cleared the upgradation of five primary ashram schools to secondary level and 19 secondary ashram schools to higher secondary (junior college) level. These institutions are run by voluntary organisations under the tribal development department.
The move is expected to significantly improve access to education for tribal students, particularly in remote and hilly areas where access to higher education remains limited. The government said that necessary teaching and non-teaching posts will be created and funds sanctioned to support the expansion.
Ashram schools, introduced under the “Ashram School Complex” scheme in 1972-73, have played a key role in promoting education among tribal communities. At present, 556 aided ashram schools are operational across the state, catering to over 2.61 lakh students. These include 37 primary schools, 319 secondary schools, and 200 junior colleges attached to secondary schools.
Officials noted that many of these schools are located in remote or Naxal-affected areas, where students—especially girls—often drop out due to economic constraints and the need to travel long distances for higher education. The latest decision aims to address these challenges by enabling students to pursue secondary and higher secondary education closer to home. The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes has also recommended strengthening such institutions.
The cabinet approved the introduction of Classes 8 to 10 in the five upgraded primary schools, along with the setting up of 19 junior colleges offering Arts and Science streams. This will involve the creation of 30 regular teacher posts and 25 multi-purpose staff positions for the upgraded schools, and 148 teaching posts for the junior colleges.
Solapur to get new Government Institute of Engineering and Technology
In another key decision, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a new government engineering college in Solapur.
The institute, to be named the Government Institute of Engineering and Technology, Solapur, will commence operations from the academic year 2026-27.
Initially, three undergraduate courses—Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Computer Science and Engineering, and Electronics and Telecommunication—will be offered, each with an intake of 60 students. The institute is expected to benefit around 180 students annually from Solapur and nearby regions.
The government has sanctioned approximately Rs 157.66 crore over the next four years for infrastructure and equipment, along with Rs 11 crore for immediate repairs and requirements. Teaching and non-teaching posts required for the institution have also been approved.
Additionally, the cabinet cleared the permanent transfer of Shri Tuljabhavani Engineering College in Tuljapur, located in Dharashiv district, to the state’s Higher and Technical Education Department. The college, currently managed by the temple trust, will be renamed Shri Tuljabhavani Government Engineering College, Tuljapur.
The institution currently offers courses in Civil, Mechanical, Electronics and Telecommunication, and Computer Science engineering. Following the takeover, 60 teaching and 58 non-teaching posts will be created. Existing staff will continue under the trust until vacancies arise, after which positions will be filled in accordance with government norms.
The government said the move would strengthen the institution and enable the introduction of modern facilities and employment-oriented courses in the future.