Following the announcement of Tribal Development Minister that ‘doorstep offline education’ would be provided to students in schools of Tribal Development Department, now the department has decided to implement ‘Unlock Learning’ initiative for Ashramshala students. The move is likely to benefit 4,76,594 students in 1,234 Ashramshalas in Maharashtra.

Due to COVID-19 pandemic situation, academic session of educational institutions stood affected. Gradually, schools and colleges started online classes using technology. However, students in Ashramshalas run by Tribal Development Department were still deprived of informal school education, as these schools are residential in nature. With restrictions still continuing and several days of academic session already passed, the department was in a fix regarding providing education to students of Ashramshalas. In accordance with the ‘schools closed, but education on’ principle stated by Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the department started planning to extend education to Ashramshala students.

There are total 1,234 Ashramshalas under Tribal Development Department in Maharashtra. These residential schools put together have student-strength of 4,76,594 on record. As per the budget, Rs 500/- is estimated expenditure on educational kit to be provided to each student. The cost of each workbook is Rs 60/-. Rs 30/- is the cost of each activity book. Incidental expenses per student are estimated to be Rs 10/-. The initiative is expected to benefit 1,83,546 students in 499 Government Ashramshalas; 2,34,422 students in aided Ashramshalas; 53,626 students in designated Ashramshalas; and 5,000 students in Eklavya Ashramshalas.

Between June 1 and 11, details consultation sessions were held through video-conferencing. The plan for ‘Unlock Learning’ initiative was finalised after consultation with members of 11 sub-committees comprising officers, Head Masters, teachers, and academic experts. Under the initiative, workbooks and activity-books will be printed and educational material will be provided to students of Ashramshalas under Tribal Development Department.

The items in educational kit, size, specification, and standard will be uniform. Now that the plan has been okayed, the

tender process will be carried out. A budget of Rs 28,59,56,400/- has been sanctioned for the initiative.