With the “Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala” (My School, Beautiful School) scheme, launched during the previous Ekanth Shinde-led government, yet to be implemented this year, even months after beginning of the new academic year, the Opposition alleged that welfare schemes during Shinde’s tenure are being closed down by the current Mahayuti government. The Opposition alleged that Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was trying to undermine the status of Shinde in the Mahayuti Government. “After the ‘’Anandacha Shidha’ scheme was shut, it seems ‘Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala’ scheme is also on the verge of being closed down. The school academic year started in June and now we are in October and there is still no sign of its implementation,” NCP(SP) MLA Rohit Pawar said. Rohit Pawar said one of the reasons for welfare schemes being launched during the tenure of Eknath Shinde being shut could be part of a bigger political plan. It was described as the ambitious scheme close to the heart of Eknath Shinde. ''It seems Fadnavis is trying to undermine Shinde by closing down welfare schemes launched by him,'' he said. However, the school education department has clarified that the efforts are underway to implement the third phase of the scheme for 2025-26 with revised criteria and new initiatives. The “Majhi Shala, Sundar Shala” scheme, launched on December 5, 2023, was aimed at modernisation, beautifying and ensuring all-round development of the government-run schools. Sena UBT leader Ambadas Danve, in a post on X said, “Devendra Fadnavis government is trying to strike off all the welfare schemes launched by his own colleague. The ordinary people expected small benefits from the schemes. The leader who left our party is keeping his mouth shut.” Citing schemes like Anandacha Shida, Ek Rupayat Vima, Swachchata Monitor, Ek Rupaya Ek Ganvesh, Ladkya Bhavala Apprenticeship, Yojanadoot Yojana and Mukhamantri Teerth Darshna Yojana, he said, “This government is running but the schemes are closing down. These schemes were meant for election purposes and it lays the government bare.” Rohit Pawar alleged that these schemes were launched only winning last year’s Assembly polls. “The Mahayuti Government had brought several schemes before the elections. Clearly, all these schemes were brought to impress the voters before the elections. In the Ladki Bahin Yojana, they have deleted the names of 28 lakh votes. Similarly, Anandacha Shida has been shut down. The closure of schemes shows they were brought only to fool the voters before the elections. Elections are over and now they don't need the people,” he said. Reacting to the Opposition attack, State Industry Minister Uday Samant said, “This scheme relates to the school education department. But whenever any decision is taken Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy CMs Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar are involved in it. If any such decision is taken, I am not aware of it. But one thing is for sure. The schemes like Mukhamantri Ladki Bahin Yojana will never be closed down.” An official from the school education department said: “Efforts are underway at the government level to implement the third phase of the scheme. The scheme had received good response in the last two years. A budgetary provision of Rs 86.73 crore has been made for the scheme for this financial year.” The official said when the scheme was implemented from January 1, 2024 to February 15, 2024, two crore students in 95 per cent schools had participated in it. Some of the initiatives of the scheme made it to the Guiness Book of World Record, officials said. The department said the scheme was also implemented in 2024-25 when prizes worth Rs 73.82 crore were distributed to the students.
