Mumbai: In a bid to put on fast track the implementation of the centrally sponsored World Bank-supported STARS (Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States) project for a period of five years from 2020-21 to 2024-25, the Maharashtra government has formed a 9-member project management unit (PMU). The total amount approved for this project is Rs 976.39 crore, which will be funded in the ratio of 60:40 by the Centre and State respectively.
The 5 main components of this project include strengthening early childhood education & foundational learning, improving learning assessment systems, strengthening classroom instruction and remediation through teacher development and school leadership, governance and decentralized management for improved service delivery and school to work/ higher education transition.
The PMU was formed as per the Centre’s directives to start planning and implementation. It will report to and work under the overall supervision of the Additional Chief Secretary, School Education and Sports Department.
The state is expected to submit various documents and reports such as a checklist provided by the World Bank, Annual Work Plan & Budget (AWP&B), proposals for funding, data regarding various components such as teachers' training. ‘’This requires timely coordination as well as drafting of proposals and submission of reports. Many organizations have shown their willingness to support the state government in setting up the PMU from their own resources without creating financial burden for the state. The state government has decided to set up a PMU with the support of willing and competent NGOs and non -state partners,’’ said Rajendra Pawar, deputy secretary of the School Education and Sports Department in the government resolution.
Further, PMU will prepare various documents such as providing state feedback on the State Incentive Grant manual to the Central government. It will compile data and send timely reports, tracking progress of projects as per Special Interest Group (SIG) manual & designated learning institutes (DLIs).
