Maharashtra plans mandatory Scout-Guide training in all schools, covering 2.10 crore students

Nagpur: The Maharashtra government is planning to make Scout-Guide training mandatory in all schools in the state to build discipline, patriotism and leadership among children. About 2.10 crore students in 1.08 lakh schools would come under its ambit.

School Education Minister Dada Bhuse directed officials to expand the programme at a review meeting on Wednesday. He said it should be implemented across the state under the department's "Nation First" approach.

At present the programme is limited to about 30,000 schools and roughly 17.33 lakh students. The proposed expansion is considerably larger. The government wants the initiative to reach schools of all mediums and Scout-Guide activities to become an important part of school education.

Two periods a week

Under the proposed framework, schools will have to conduct Scout-Guide activities, including parades, marches and drills, accompanied by patriotic songs. Two periods a week will be set aside for these activities under the "Anandadayi Shanivar" programme.

The aim is that children are not confined to classroom learning. The programme is said to be meant to build teamwork, discipline, physical activity and a sense of responsibility towards the country.

Seven-day training for teachers

To implement it properly across the state, teachers will be given seven days of training at the taluka level. The training is expected to enable them to conduct Scout-Guide activities and guide children in the programme.

Bhuse said the School Education Department will bear the students' fees and the trainers' honorarium in Zilla Parishad schools. This will make it easier to implement the programme in government schools.

More marks for top Scout-Guide performers

The government is also considering additional academic incentives for students who do well in Scout-Guide activities. Bhuse asked officials to prepare a proposal to increase the marks given to students who receive prestigious Scout-Guide awards. At present, State Award winners get three marks and President's Award winners get 10 marks.

Principal Secretary Ranjitsingh Deol, School Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Director Mangesh Joshi, who joined online, were present at the meeting. Deputy Secretary Tushar Mahajan, Scouts and Guides Assistant State Secretary Ramesh Jadhav and other officials of the School Education and Sports Department were also there.

Exam fee relief for drought-hit students

Separately, the state government has directed universities and colleges to waive examination fees for students from drought-affected talukas and to refund fees already collected from eligible students. The government has warned that institutions that fail to do so will face strict action.

Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil gave the directions on Wednesday at an online meeting with the vice-chancellors of state universities. The aim is to give financial relief to drought-affected students and their families.