Mumbai, Oct 16 (NationPress) The Maharashtra School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse emphasized on Thursday that industries should allocate funds through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for the enhancement of various facilities in schools throughout the state.

“Over two crore students are currently enrolled in more than one lakh schools in Maharashtra. These students receive quality education grounded in the principle of Nation First. While the government provides several facilities, industries also contribute via CSR funds. However, it's crucial that these funds are utilized based on the specific needs of schools and students,” he stated.

Minister Bhuse engaged with CSR leaders from different industries today and expressed his hope for a collaborative effort between industries and the government to achieve unity in spending these funds to improve and upgrade various school amenities statewide.

“Many industries, motivated by a sense of responsibility to society, help schools and students with CSR funds, but they should also consider investing in improving facilities within these institutions,” he remarked.

“The state government is rolling out numerous schemes and initiatives with students at the forefront. Facilities such as clean drinking water, sanitary toilets, quality buildings, laboratories, and more are being provided in schools. Furthermore, additional information is available on the Vidyanjali portal, focusing on the requirements of students and schools. Industries are encouraged to assess these needs and contribute to enhancing facilities for students,” added Minister Bhuse.

Principal Secretary Ranjitsinh Deol stated that CSR funds are being made accessible in the state with industry collaboration. Information regarding all schools and students in Maharashtra can be accessed via the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) and the central government’s Vidyanjali portal. He expressed hope that these funds will be allocated effectively, considering the requirements of schools.

He mentioned that requests from schools are being logged on the Vidyanjali portal and that this data will guide proper CSR planning.

He also announced the 'Adopted School Scheme', which allows industries that adopt schools to have their names included in the school names.

Deol presented the current status of school education in the state, detailing CSR activities and the specific areas where the government seeks industry collaboration through CSR funds.

Industry representatives shared insights into the sectors they are interested in supporting.