The Maharashtra government is set to incorporate lessons on drug de-addiction into the school curriculum, marking a significant step in addressing substance abuse among students. This decision was made during a review meeting on August 4, 2026, led by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance school safety and combat the growing issue of drug-related challenges faced by the youth.

Establishment of Anti-Drug Counselling Committees

In conjunction with the curriculum changes, the state plans to implement anti-drug guidance and counselling committees within schools. These committees will focus on educating students regarding the dangers associated with substance misuse and will offer support as necessary. Furthermore, measures are to be strengthened to ensure campus safety, particularly against threats such as cyber fraud and drug-related offences.

During the meeting, Chief Minister Fadnavis praised Maharashtra’s strong performance in school education, noting that the state ranked second in the national Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2.0 for educational attainment. He emphasised the need for innovative teaching practices across all educational institutions, including PM SHRI schools, while striving to maintain a balance between quality education, the promotion of the Marathi language, and historical awareness.

Additionally, ongoing education initiatives were reviewed, such as the Aadhaar authentication system for students, which benefits approximately 35 lakh learners under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, as well as improvements relating to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Overview of Education Landscape in Maharashtra

Maharashtra boasts a diverse education framework with 1,08,065 schools catering to over 2.2 crore students, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 28:1. The state accounts for 9.34 per cent of India’s schools, 8.84 per cent of its teachers, and 7.69 per cent of the student population. Among these institutions, 64,341 are government-run, while 29,486 receive government assistance; self-financed and centrally affiliated schools make up the remainder.

Officials detailed multiple programmes aimed at enhancing educational outcomes, including the Nipun Maharashtra Mission, the Rashtriya Pratham campaign, and the “Majhi Shala Sundar Shala” initiative. Enrolment drives are also taking place statewide to encourage more students to attend school. Moreover, teachers are receiving training through platforms powered by artificial intelligence.

The government is promoting a variety of initiatives such as exposure visits, school adoption programmes, corporate social responsibility partnerships, and the “Super 100” scheme. Under this scheme, 100 high-achieving students from rural backgrounds in each district are provided with specialised coaching for competitive exams like NEET and JEE.

Emphasis on Cultural and Historical Education

Chief Minister Fadnavis underscored the importance of incorporating the history of Maharashtra into the educational narrative, highlighting the Centre’s expanded coverage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in NCERT textbooks. He advocated for strengthening the school curriculum to reflect lessons on the Maratha ruler’s legacy effectively.

Officials confirmed that studying Marathi has been made compulsory across various boards, including SSC, CBSE, ICSE, and IB, with examinations in the language now mandatory. This move aims to preserve cultural identity while promoting linguistic education among students across the state.

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, Minister of State Pankaj Bhoyar, Principal Secretary for School Education Ranjitsingh Deol, and Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh, who collectively support these initiatives to enhance the educational landscape in Maharashtra.

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