Mumbai: School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse on Sunday held a significant meeting with representatives from all 65 teaching and non-teaching associations in Maharashtra, marking his first major engagement with stakeholders since taking charge on December 30.
During the meeting, he emphasised that “quality and joyful education” equips students not only for exams but for life, making education a source of joy in their lives.
He called for all stakeholders in the education sector to contribute towards the successful implementation of this joyful and quality-driven education system.
In a press conference after the meeting, he shared a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing pressing issues related to school infrastructure, funding, and the overall quality of education.
One of the minister’s key promises was to revitalise school infrastructure across Maharashtra. "The Ministry will work towards figuring out ways to arrange funds for infrastructure development of all the schools in Maharashtra and ensure that funds are provided and school infrastructure is revamped," Bhuse affirmed.
This commitment to improving infrastructure is seen as crucial, as many schools, particularly in rural areas, have struggled with inadequate facilities for years. “The non-functioning computers in computer labs, especially in the rural areas where the ministry receives a lot of complaints from, will also be repaired,” he added.

In addition to infrastructure improvements, Bhuse addressed the long-standing issue of non-salary grants. These grants, which have been halted for several years, are essential for schools to cover maintenance costs and other operational expenses.
Bhuse revealed that the government had already prepared a near-complete roadmap to resume the non-salary grant programme. "A roadmap is almost ready to ensure that the non-salary grant is resumed at the earliest," Bhuse stated.
"Soon, our government will start releasing the grant." This move is expected to provide significant relief to government schools that have faced financial challenges due to the suspension of these funds.
Furthermore, Bhuse stressed the importance of identifying and nurturing talented educators to improve teaching standards and enhance the quality of education in Maharashtra. "We will work towards improving the overall school education scenario in the state," Bhuse said.
"We will identify good teachers and work with them to create a model that ensures teaching quality improves in Maharashtra and other teachers also start to follow a set of best practices that can be shared and applied across schools in the state,” he added.
During his address to all the stakeholders, Bhuse also called upon them to contribute towards the success of the quality and joyful education system.
He stated, “We are all part of the education system, and the work we do to impart knowledge and shape future generations is invaluable. While quality and joyful education is a challenging concept, I am confident that, with the collective effort of all, it will be successfully implemented.”
Additionally, he promised that teachers would be given ample time and resources to fulfil their responsibilities. He reiterated the importance of ensuring that teachers, who hold a respected position in society, receive the support they deserve.

“What is possible for education and educators will be done,” Bhuse said. He also announced that suggestions from teachers, drawn from their experiences, would play a key role in improving educational standards.