Free School Bags for Students of Classes 1st to 8th in Government Schools!

* Major Decision by the Mahayuti Government*

Mumbai: In a major and ambitious move aimed at reducing the burden on students from economically weaker and needy backgrounds and keeping them enrolled in school, the Mahayuti government has announced free school bags for students studying in Classes 1st to 8th in local self-government schools across the state. The government has granted administrative approval for a substantial fund of 174,19,35,424 for this initiative.

The School Education Department has undertaken this project to accelerate the implementation of the Right to Education (RTE) Act and the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Building on the success of prior schemes like free textbooks and mid-day meals that helped boost student enrollment, this decision is expected to offer significant support to children from low-income families.

The entire procurement process will be conducted transparently through an e-tendering system. Distribution will be carried out in two stages based on student strength: Classes 1st to 5th and Classes 6th to 8th

It has been made mandatory for contractors to submit all-inclusive bids covering bag design, transportation, and GST under the e-tender. With this essential educational aid set to reach lakhs of young children in rural and semi-urban areas, the decision has been warmly received by parents across the state.