Maharashtra govt asks all schools to start alumni associations

The Maharashtra Government's School Education and Sports Department has issued a mandatory directive requiring all schools operating within the state—covering Classes 1 through 12 across government, local body, aided, and private unaided institutions—to establish formal Alumni Associations. Designed to bridge the gap between former students and their alma maters, this policy aims to build strong community ownership and create structured channels through which ex-students can contribute back to school development.

Under the framework outlined in the Government Resolution, each association will be led by an executive committee composed of former students, including a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Treasurer. To ensure structured oversight, school administrators will play a central advisory role, with the school principal serving as ex-officio Secretary alongside representative teachers, parents, and local education officers. Associations are mandated to conduct at least two formal meetings per year—either in person or online—and host at least one annual alumni reunion, scheduled around major school milestones or regional festivals with a minimum 15-day prior notice.

The primary scope of work for these alumni associations spans infrastructure development, academic support, and student welfare. Former students are encouraged to assist in modernizing science and computer laboratories, upgrading school libraries, improving sanitation facilities, and maintaining sports grounds. On the academic and extracurricular front, alumni are expected to conduct career counseling sessions, guidance for competitive exams, digital literacy workshops, and sponsor merit-based scholarships or student awards. To maintain financial transparency and avoid potential misallocation of funds, direct cash collections are strictly discouraged; instead, contributions must be rendered directly as physical equipment, infrastructure support, or institutionalized scholarships, supported by auditable annual reports and notice board disclosures.

While state officials emphasize that the policy mobilizes the rich experience and network of alumni in public administration, business, and academia to uplift school standards, the move has drawn mixed reactions. Several educators and school activists have pointed out that while alumni involvement is welcome, the state government must not use these associations as a pretext to shift its primary financial responsibility for basic school infrastructure, repairs, and grant allocations onto former students.