Maharashtra govt to set up new hostels, accommodate 25,000 students, says Minister Sanjay Shirsat

Mumbai: Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat on Monday said that the state government aims to accommodate 25,000 students in new hostels to be set up by the social justice department.

Speaking in the legislative council, the state minister for social justice said the department plans to open around 125 hostels in different parts of the state, and a provision of Rs 1,500 crore has been allocated for this.

He said, "New hostels equipped with modern facilities will be established wherever there is demand. The social justice department is working to develop model hostels." Shirsat also announced that the admission process for hostels would not be handled at the Mantralaya level but would be delegated to the Commissionerate of Social Justice to simplify and decentralise the procedure.

The minister was replying to a starred question by Leader of Opposition Ambadas Danve regarding the poor conditions at a hostel under the social justice department in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

He said the district collector has been directed to take action against persons responsible for the hostel's condition.

Shirsat said the department will frame guidelines to prioritise admissions at hostels near colleges, ensuring easier access.