Maharashtra govt unveils policy on screening of films, short-films, documentaries in schools

The GR also points out that the state has been receiving various proposals seeking approval of showcasing educational films as part of e-education material. “Education through entertainment should not hamper the regular academic timetable of schools or studies of children. Thus, it was under consideration to draw a policy regarding it,” states the GR adding that a permission once obtained will be valid only for that academic year. Local level education officers have been made responsible to ensure that the guidelines are followed.

An official from the school education department, said, “Stating that this is an informative, motivational or educational film which should be shown to children in schools, the state was receiving many proposals from individuals and organisations. This had to be capped to ensure that children do not face academic loss while watching films in schools.”

The move has led to mixed reactions, while schools have welcomed the cap on films, some, especially those which are non-Marathi medium schools have questioned the state’s insistence on having two out of three films to be in Marathi.

Mahendra Ganapule, former head of the Maharashtra School Principals’ Association said, “This is the first time the state has issued guidelines regarding this which will be a centralised process. Otherwise, there would be many requests for screening of films by different organisations with a letter of permission from local education officers.”

A senior teacher from a Mumbai school, however, asked, “If the medium of instruction of school is English, how can the state insist that at least two out of three films should be in Marathi?”