Want to be part of a drama club or sports club? If you are in Maharashtra, you HAVE to be. Here is why

From September 15, every school in Maharashtra—government, aided, and private—will be required to set up at least one student club as part of the state’s push toward holistic education. The directive, issued by the School Education Department, makes it mandatory for schools to form clubs focusing on areas such as arts, science, environment, sports, health, and social awareness.

 

Officials said the initiative is designed to go beyond classroom learning and help students cultivate leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. “The idea is to create a space where children can explore interests, nurture talents, and work together on projects that build confidence and civic responsibility,” a senior department official said.

 

Each school will have to notify parents and students about the available clubs and ensure equal opportunities for participation. Teachers will act as mentors, but the clubs are expected to be student-driven in terms of planning activities, holding discussions, and organising events.

 

School heads have been instructed to submit compliance reports by the deadline. Inspections are also expected to ensure clubs are not just formed on paper but remain active throughout the academic year.

 

The directive comes in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises experiential learning and the development of “21st-century skills” like creativity, communication, and critical thinking.

 

Educationists welcomed the move, saying it could reduce academic stress by encouraging non-academic pursuits. However, some school administrators pointed out the challenge of limited resources and time constraints in implementing the new mandate effectively.

 

The department has said it will issue further guidelines on the kind of projects clubs can take up, from awareness campaigns on cleanliness and road safety to cultural showcases and science exhibitions. 

 

School authorities whom THE WEEK spoke to are clearly divided; while some hail the move, others criticise it for eating into a student's study time. "Already with so many holidays in the upcoming holiday season, completing the syllabus is a challenge for teachers. Now this requirement of establishing student clubs will clearly impact a child's academic learning time," says the principal of a well-known high school in Central Mumbai. 

 

However, parents are happy to see that  the Education department is going "beyond books and encouraging the overall development of school children." " It is definitely a welcome move and we are all for it," said Ayush Mopariah, parent of a 12-year-old from Andheri.

India