Maharashtra Makes State Anthem Mandatory in School Assemblies Across All Boards to Foster Cultural Pride
Maharashtra government has made it mandatory for all schools to play the state anthem, “Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza”, during daily assemblies. The directive, issued by School Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse, applies to all schools regardless of their board affiliations, including CBSE, ICSE, and international boards.
The state anthem will be played immediately after the national anthem, and schools are required to sing two stanzas of the 101-second song. Minister Bhuse emphasized that this initiative will ensure uniformity across educational institutions and help young students connect with the rich heritage of Maharashtra.
Historical Significance of the Anthem
“Jai Jai Maharashtra Maza” was written by Raja Nilkanth Badhe and composed by Srinivas Kale. The song, which translates to “Victory to My Maharashtra”, was officially recognized as the state anthem in February 2023. By including the anthem in school assemblies, the government aims to reinforce regional pride and awareness among students.
Part of Broader Educational Reforms
The mandate is part of a comprehensive 100-day school reform plan announced during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The reform plan includes various initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education and infrastructure in Maharashtra’s schools. Key measures include:
- Curriculum Alignment: Adopting a curriculum in line with CBSE standards with regional adaptations and alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- Geotagging Schools: To streamline school management and ensure effective policy implementation, all schools and Anganwadis will be geotagged.
- School Grading System: Schools will be ranked based on educational quality and performance metrics.
- Smart Classrooms: At least one smart classroom will be introduced in every school cluster under the “CM Shri School” initiative, similar to the national PM Shri School program.
Inclusion and Accessibility Measures
The reforms also aim to bring marginalized children back into the education system. Children of brick kiln workers, sugarcane laborers, and other agricultural workers will be reintegrated through special programs. The government plans to expand the bicycle distribution scheme to improve rural attendance further.
Minister Bhuse also highlighted the importance of leveraging corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to enhance school infrastructure. He urged dignitaries and celebrities to adopt schools and contribute to their development.
Implementation Timeline
The reforms, including the mandatory state anthem, will be implemented starting from the 2025-26 academic year. The goal is to create an inclusive, culturally rich, and high-quality education system that nurtures both academic excellence and regional pride among Maharashtra’s students.
