STAR project to be implemented for pre-primary kids to Class 12

In an attempt to improve the education system for pre-primary to Class 12, the state school education department discussed the proposal regarding the implementation of the Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for states (STARS) project in the state cabinet meeting on Thursday. Varsha Gaikwad, school education minister of Maharashtra, said, "The cabinet has approved the project which will be implemented in the next five years."

The STAR project will emphasise on efforts to provide proper and integrated education with a focus on improving school training and educational quality, formulating a comprehensive policy to make the education system transparent. Gaikwad said, "We have introduced the issue of improving assessment and test methods under this project. The International Student Assessment Program (ISAP) covers a number of issues, including training teachers to acquire teaching skills."

The STAR project will be implemented at the state level by the Integrated State Implementation Society (SIS) of the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. An independent Lokpal-like mechanism will be set up for education at the national level. Gaikwad said, "The total cost of the project will be Rs 976 crore, of which Rs 390 crore will be spent by the state government and Rs 586 crore will be provided by the central government."