Financial Help for Women Students
The Maharashtra Education Department has proposed a major expansion of its Earn-and-Learn Scheme starting from the 2025–26 academic year. The program aims to support five lakh (500,000) college girls from financially weaker families by offering them monthly assistance of ₹2,200 while they study and work part-time.
Budget and Implementation
A budget of ₹100 crore has been proposed to the Finance Department for the scheme. The initiative is designed to reduce financial stress for students and encourage higher education among women, especially those from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
Education Minister Chandrakant Patil confirmed that the scheme has already been launched on a pilot basis in six colleges, covering 500 students with monthly funding of ₹56,000. He added that once the Finance Department approves the budget, the plan will be implemented statewide next year.
How the Scheme Works
- Students can work up to 3 hours daily in college libraries, offices, health centres, or community projects.
- They will be paid ₹60 per hour, up from the previous rate of ₹40 per hour.
- Each student can work a maximum of 36 hours a month, earning ₹2,200 per month.
- Eligible students must belong to families with an annual income below ₹8 lakh.
Opportunities on Campus
Under the program, students may take up different roles such as:
- Library or administrative office assistants
- Helpers in laboratories and health centres
- Garden maintenance or document preparation
- Participation in educational or slum area surveys
This system ensures students gain both income and experience, balancing education with hands-on work.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, students must:
- Be regular attendees at their college
- Have a family income below ₹8 lakh per year
- Submit income and caste certificates, Aadhaar card, and mark sheets
- Apply directly through their college principal
Student Reactions
Students welcomed the decision, calling it timely and helpful. Sandhya Jadhav, a student from Savitribai Phule Pune University, said,
“The earlier ₹800 was not enough due to rising expenses. The new monthly amount will really help students in need.”
A Step Toward Empowerment
At present, Maharashtra has 43 lakh higher education students, of which 14 lakh are girls, and about 5 lakh belong to the EWS category. The expanded Earn-and-Learn program will make college education more accessible and affordable while building practical job skills.
Minister’s Commitment
“On a pilot basis, I’m personally spending ₹56,000 each month for six colleges. If more colleges join, I’m ready to increase spending up to ₹6 lakh monthly. Once the Finance Department approves, the scheme will run across the state,”
said Chandrakant Patil, Minister for Higher and Technical Education.
The Maharashtra government’s Earn-and-Learn scheme is a life-changing initiative for thousands of girls who want to continue college but struggle financially. By allowing students to earn while they study, the program promotes education, independence, and dignity for young women across the state.
