**Maharashtra Announces Incentive Prizes for Zilla Parishads and Municipal Corporations Excelling in Education Initiatives**
School Education Minister Shri Dadaji Bhuse announced on Friday that Zilla Parishads and municipal corporations in Maharashtra that excel in promoting quality and innovative education initiatives will receive incentive prizes. The awards include Rs 5 crore for first place, Rs 3 crore for second, and Rs 2 crore for third position.
The announcement was made during the inauguration of the two-day State-Level School Education Conference held in Balewadi, Pune. The event was attended by key officials including School Department Principal Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol, Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh, Maharashtra Primary Education Council State Project Director Sanjay Yadav, State Educational Research and Training Council Director Rahul Rekhawar, State Examination Council Director Nandkumar Bedse, along with other directors and education officers from across the state.
### Focus on Quality and Innovation in Education
Addressing the gathering, Minister Bhuse emphasized that education should be enjoyable, high-quality, broad-based, and national in scope. He urged the education department to implement innovative initiatives aimed at making Maharashtra a leader in education.
Highlighting the growing importance of technology, Bhuse mentioned the role of artificial intelligence, infrastructure improvements, and key government programs such as the Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Yojana, scholarship examinations, and the Nipun Bharat Abhiyan in transforming education across the state.
### Enhancing Learning Experiences
Bhuse also stressed the value of educational trips to enrich student learning. He suggested organizing visits to historical sites, agricultural centers, and banks as part of experiential learning.
In addition, the minister announced the organisation of an elocution competition to commemorate the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Punyashloka Ahilyadevi Holkar, and a quiz event marking the 150th birth anniversary of Birsa Munda.
### Administrative Reforms and Scholarship Exams
The minister announced significant administrative reforms, consolidating 15 school-level committees into four streamlined bodies to improve efficiency.
He also confirmed that scholarship examinations for Classes 4 and 7 will resume from the next academic year, providing greater opportunities for student recognition.
### Emphasis on Local Governance and Education
Principal Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol highlighted the critical role of local self-government bodies in prioritizing education and health. Deol urged municipal commissioners to effectively implement government initiatives at the grassroots level.
Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh discussed ongoing education quality measures, the National Education Policy (NEP), Nipun Bharat targets for 2027, and various school-level initiatives underway.
### Launch of Teacher and Officer-Employee Competition Guide
During the ceremony, Minister Bhuse released the Teacher and Officer-Employee Competition Guide, which features 36 competitions and six Olympiads. The guide was prepared under the guidance of Rahul Rekhawar and aims to foster greater engagement among educators and staff.
### Conference Highlights and Discussions
The conference featured in-depth discussions on the New Education Policy 2020, the PARAKH assessment survey report measuring learning outcomes, administrative reforms, holistic education, and other key educational initiatives.
Officials from various districts shared innovative practices successfully implemented in their regions and were honoured by the minister with mementos and books.
Additional topics covered included Class 11 admissions, the Group School Scheme promoting inclusive education, the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE) Plus for maintaining the school database, and approvals related to teacher recruitment.
### Focus on Effective Scheme Implementation
Schemes spearheaded by the Maharashtra Primary Education Council, NEP 2020 action programs, competency-based question banks, e-Vidya channels, and yoga curriculum guides were highlighted to ensure effective implementation across schools.
### Upcoming Events and Increased Prize Money
Minister Bhuse directed schools to organize annual gatherings, student sports competitions, and patriotic drills scheduled for January 26, 2026.
Furthermore, he announced an increase in prize money for science exhibitions to encourage scientific inquiry and innovation among students.
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This conference underscores Maharashtra’s commitment to strengthening education through innovation, quality enhancement, and inclusive policies, aiming to position the state as a national leader in education.
https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/maharashtra-announces-incentives-for-best-performing-zilla-parishads-municipal-corporations-in-education-23594869