Move to provide assistance for education: Maharashtra begins survey to identify children of single mothers in govt schools

According to the circular issued, the children of single mothers will be identified and necessary assistance will be provided for their education. The circular mentioned that the financial and social conditions of single mothers in Maharashtra are extremely difficult and for such single mothers, educating their children becomes challenging.

Accordingly, the Education Minister has instructed that boys and girls of single mothers studying from classes 1 to 12 be identified.
Ramakant Kathmore, Joint Director, Primary Education, said the initiative marks the first phase of a much larger, long-term effort.

“Once all the data is compiled, the department will begin discussions on what schemes and interventions can be introduced for their benefit. A database will allow us to design effective initiatives. After analysing the numbers, the government will be able to take decisions on providing facilities for these students. We will also examine whether relevant schemes from other departments exist and whether their benefits can be provided,” he said.

The push for this move came from Sau Ekal Mahila Samiti, which had earlier approached the Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, seeking formal recognition of the issue. Heramb Kulkarni, the organisation’s state convener, said collecting accurate data is critical to shaping meaningful policies.

“Once this data is compiled, it will help sensitise the education department to the difficulties these children face,” he said.
Highlighting the urgency, Kulkarni added that some mothers are under such financial and social pressure that they resort to child marriage.

“If the system has accurate data, it can help these mothers through various measures like fee concessions for students and prevent such extreme outcomes.”

NGOs agree that the initiative acknowledges a long-standing reality. “Single mothers face a number of hardships. Sometimes even their basic needs are not met. Many are forced to pull their children out of school because there is no stable income. Some take loans just to pay school fees,” said Pradeep Devkule, Founder of Sevavrat Foundation.

Shamal Khabale, a cook and mother of two says, “I still haven’t paid my younger child’s fees. If we get even a small amount of educational assistance whether through fee concessions or school material it would reduce a huge burden.”

Savita Bhuse, a domestic worker, said, “Sometimes I don’t get work and can barely rely on my savings. If the government can help with education, life would become much easier.”

Rani Mohite, who lost her husband, pointed to another major obstacle: awareness. “There are schemes, but we don’t know about them. I’ve had to take loans and even sold jewellery just to survive. Help must actually reach those who need it,” she said.