Mumbai, July 19, 2025 – The Maharashtra government has officially approved the ₹970.42 crore teachers grant to support 49,562 teachers across 6,075 partially aided schools in the state. The state will begin fund disbursal in August 2025, following months of persistent demands from educators. This phase includes 2,714 newly eligible teachers who met updated qualification and documentation criteria introduced in early 2025. Education Minister Dada Bhuse emphasized that only schools complying with revised norms will receive future grants. “We will exclude non-compliant institutions from upcoming phases to ensure accountability and fairness,” he stated.

Education Minister Dada Bhuse has confirmed that the Cabinet approved the proposal during the monsoon session of the Assembly. The state will begin fund disbursal in August 2025. The revised framework mandates that the eligible schools receive 20% of teacher salaries, provided they meet updated state criteria such as staffing ratios and compliance documentation.

The grant comes in response to heightened tensions in the education sector. Earlier this year, thousands of teachers demonstrated at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, pressing for overdue payments. The protests gained momentum when political leaders like NCP chief Sharad Pawar joined in, publicly criticizing the government for administrative delays and neglect.

This phase includes 2,714 newly eligible teachers who met updated qualification and documentation criteria. Education Minister Dada Bhuse emphasized that only schools complying with revised norms will receive future grants. “We will exclude non-compliant institutions from upcoming phases,” he stated.

Meanwhile, teachers’ unions cautiously welcomed the development. A union spokesperson described the move as “a positive step,” but stressed the importance of timely, transparent fund transfers going forward. The spokesperson added, “We appreciate the initiative, but expect consistency and fairness in execution.”

If implemented effectively, the aid package could stabilize the state’s partially aided education system and influence public opinion ahead of civic elections. Government officials suggest it may also serve as a model for future education reforms targeting staff retention and institutional accountability.

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