In a major policy overhaul, the Maharashtra government has directed that all schools currently operating as separate boys’ and girls’ units on the same premises be merged and run as co-educational institutions.
The School Education and Sports Department has issued a corrigendum modifying earlier resolutions from 2003 and 2008, in compliance with a Bombay High Court order (Petition No. 3773/2000), which stipulated that separate girls’ schools should no longer be permitted.
According to the state government, the move is intended to phase out gender segregation in schooling and cultivate learning environments that better reflect social diversity.
“Co-education also promotes balanced participation in academics and activities … ensuring that boys and girls get the opportunity to study together and develop their personalities,” the official announcement stated.
Push for Equality and Social Integration
Officials emphasise that integrated schooling can foster equality, mutual respect, and improved interaction across genders. The policy is also viewed as preparation for life beyond school, where collaboration among genders is the norm.
Currently, as per UDISE+ 2024–25 data, only about 1.54 % of schools in Maharashtra are girls-only and 0.74 % boys-only; the overwhelming majority already operate on a co-educational basis. Thus, the new directive is expected to affect a relatively small but symbolically significant portion of educational institutions.
Implementation Mechanism and Authority
The state has delegated enforcement power to the Commissioner (Education), Maharashtra State, who will oversee the rapid integration of schools sharing premises. If separate institutions propose to unify under one registration, the Commissioner has authority to approve such requests.
The order was formalised under the authority of the Governor of Maharashtra, marking a decisive turn away from institutional gender separation in the state’s public schooling system.
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