‘Hire Shikshan Mitras who speak language of migrant students’

This is part of an initiative to check the drop-out rate across Maharashtra

The state school education department has asked schools to hire Shikshan Mitra -- individuals who know the mother tongue of children from different states -- to help retain students from migrant families.

Under this scheme, schools having more than 20 students from a common area or speaking the same language can get teaching assistants (Rep pic/ HT file photo)

This is part of an initiative to check the drop-out rate in Maharashtra. Schools having more than 20 students from a common area or speaking the same language can get teaching assistants. They can use CSR funds or public support to hire Shikshan Mitras.

The department observed most dropouts belong to migrant families, including those from other states who come to Maharashtra in search of livelihood. They are in large numbers, particularly in cities like Mumbai, which are hub of construction activities.

“They stay for two to three years. Coming from a different state, they do not know Marathi, but they can still be admitted to Marathi-medium schools. These students must be taught using books and tools prescribed by bilingual education authority,” said a government resolution issued recently.