ABHAY
ABHAY ANAND
Manager Editorial
New Delhi, Updated on Aug 19, 2025 09:52 IST

An important step towards gender equality in education, Maharashtra’s new policy ensures financial barriers don’t stop girls from pursuing higher studies.

Maharashtra government has announced the expansion of free education for girls up to the graduation level. Decision approved in state cabinet meeting, will cover girls studying from Class 1 till  completion of their undergraduate degree in government and aided colleges.

Earlier, free education scheme was available only till Class 12. With this expansion, state govt plans to improve higher education enrollment of girls, particularly those coming from rural and economically weaker backgrounds.

State Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Ajit Pawar had announced this in state budget for 2024-25, highlighting his government’s commitment to gender equality and education empowerment. Maharashtra officials have stated that scheme will be applicable to courses across different streams, including arts, commerce, and science. However, self-financed professional courses may not fall under ambit of this initiative.

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About the Author
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ABHAY ANAND
Manager Editorial
Abhay, an alumnus of IIMC and Delhi University, is an experienced education journalist with over a decade of reporting across diverse beats. He has extensively covered higher education, competitive exams, policy cha Read Full Bio
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