Maharashtra Jain Welfare Board Approves Govt Aid For Jain Pathshalas Through State’s Minority Department

Mumbai: Big news for Jain pathshalas in Maharashtra! The state government is stepping in to provide financial support through its minority department. This is a game-changer for these schools, especially in rural areas.

The Jain Minority Financial Development Corporation (JMFDC) is on it. They just had their second meeting, and community leaders are all in favor of this aid. It’s about time, right? This funding will help these schools teach Prakrit and even computer skills.

So, here’s the scoop: after the union cabinet recognized Prakrit as a Classical Language, Jain organizations are eager to teach it at their pathshalas. This language is super important for Jain scriptures, so it’s a big deal.

JMFDC is already working on a proposal to get this rolling. They plan to invite applications from pathshalas in March and kick off the scheme in April. Sounds like a solid plan!

Lalit Gandhi, the chairperson of JMFDC, mentioned that the focus is on rural areas. They want to ensure that women studying religious matters also get a boost in computer and English skills. It’s all about empowering the community.

For years, the Jain community has been asking for this kind of support. The All India Jain Minority Federation (AIJMF) has been pushing hard for it, and they believe this aid will really help those rural pathshalas that struggle with resources.

Sandeep Bhandari from AIJMF pointed out that these pathshalas are crucial for teaching kids important values. While city schools can find donors and volunteer teachers, rural ones often can’t catch a break.

They also talked about building ‘vihaar dhaams’ for Jain monks and nuns traveling through villages. The plan is to set up halls in government schools that can double as resting spots for these monks. It’s a win-win for everyone!