Maharashtra: State to Clear Rs 2,200 Crore Pending RTE Reimbursements; Private School Rules Under Revision

Pune, 30th January 2026: The Maharashtra government has assured that there will be no shortage of funds for the school education department, State School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse said on Tuesday. He added that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has given clear directives to ensure adequate funding for improving school infrastructure across the state.

Speaking to reporters in Pune after attending Balbharati’s Diamond Jubilee programme, Bhuse said the education department has identified clear priorities for schools, including safe drinking water, clean and functional toilets, well-maintained school buildings, learning facilities, and playgrounds.

The minister also announced plans to provide electricity to schools currently without power by installing solar energy systems in a phased manner over the next year.

Referring to the recently released UDISE Plus report by the central government, Bhuse acknowledged that many schools still lack basic facilities. The report indicates that over 25,900 schools do not have computers, more than 30,000 schools lack internet access, and around 5,567 schools are without electricity. Several schools also do not have functional toilets for boys and girls.

Bhuse said the government is committed to addressing these gaps. Priority will be given to solving the electricity problem through solar power, while missing facilities such as computers and internet access will also be provided.

On examinations, the minister emphasized that students should appear after sincere preparation to ensure fair results. He highlighted the success of last year’s copy-free examination campaign in reducing malpractices, noting that it will be strictly implemented again this year. CCTV cameras have been made mandatory at examination centres, and action will be taken wherever irregularities are found.

Regarding Right to Education (RTE) admissions, Bhuse said new rules for private schools are being drafted and will be finalized soon. The government is also working to improve the quality of government schools to reduce the need for parents to prefer private institutions.

Addressing pending reimbursements under RTE admissions, Bhuse admitted that around ₹2,200 crore is yet to be cleared. He assured that the amount will be disbursed in phases in the coming months.