Sanjay Raut claims closure of over 2,000 schools in Maharashtra, blames Shinde govt

Sanjay Raut, a senior leader of the Shiv Sena (UBT), accused the Eknath Shinde-led Maharashtra government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of systemic failures in the state's education system during a press conference on Wednesday. He claimed that over 2,000 government-run schools in Maharashtra have been shut down, calling it a severe blow to the state's long-standing reputation as a leader in education. Raut, who is also a member of the Rajya Sabha, criticized the current administration for its handling of the education sector and alleged widespread corruption within the Education Department. According to Raut, the Education Department in Maharashtra has become a center for bribery, with no official process moving forward without monetary exchanges. He pointed out that despite Maharashtra's historical prominence in education, the current situation reflects poorly on the government's commitment to the field. Raut emphasized that the closure of these schools indicates a lack of seriousness from both the Maharashtra government and the BJP in areas where education is critical. He further alleged that a large-scale scam involving crores of rupees is taking place under the Chief Minister's watch. Raut expressed concern over frequent instances of examination paper leaks in the state, suggesting that these issues are not isolated incidents but part of a larger pattern. He linked these problems to the recent controversies surrounding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG), which had led to nationwide protests due to irregularities. Raut specifically mentioned that more than half of those implicated in the NEET-UG irregularities come from regions like Pune and Latur in Maharashtra, and many of them are affiliated with the BJP. His statements were aimed at highlighting the potential influence of political connections in educational governance and the need for accountability. In addition to his allegations against the government, Raut also highlighted the broader implications of these issues on the future of education in Maharashtra. He stressed the importance of maintaining transparency and integrity in the education system, particularly given the role it plays in shaping the future of students and the state itself. A separate report indicated that an individual associated with the BJP and known in the education sector was arrested in connection with the 'Shalarth ID' scam. This incident adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of the education sector in Maharashtra, raising questions about the extent of corruption and the effectiveness of current regulatory measures. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders continue to monitor developments closely, with calls for thorough investigations into the allegations made by Raut and others. The focus remains on ensuring that the education system in Maharashtra remains robust and free from malpractices that could undermine its foundational role in the state's development.