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14 Jan 2026·Source: The Indian Express
3 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Maharashtra's Prathmik Shikshan Parishad: E-Tender Notice for Infrastructure Projects

Maharashtra invites e-tenders for infrastructure development in Prathmik Shikshan Parishad schools.

Maharashtra's Prathmik Shikshan Parishad: E-Tender Notice for Infrastructure Projects

Photo by Federico Lancellotti

The Government of Maharashtra's Prathmik Shikshan Parishad has issued an e-tender notice for the year 2025-26, focusing on the development of playgrounds at various schools under PASARH Projects. The tender notice specifies key dates, including the start date for downloading tender documents on 15.01.2026 at 11:00 Hrs and the pre-bid meeting on 19.01.2026 at 11:00 Hrs. The deadline for submitting online tenders is 27.01.2026 up to 17:00 Hrs, with the opening of technical bids scheduled for 28.01.2026 at 11:00 Hrs. This initiative aims to improve school infrastructure and facilities, contributing to better educational outcomes.

Key Facts

1.

E-tender for playground development in Maharashtra schools

2.

Tender download starts: 15.01.2026

3.

Pre-bid meeting: 19.01.2026

4.

Tender submission deadline: 27.01.2026

5.

Technical bid opening: 28.01.2026

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

2.

Connects to syllabus topics like education, social justice, and infrastructure development.

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based questions on education policies, analytical questions on challenges in primary education.

Visual Insights

Evolution of E-Tendering in India

Timeline showing the key milestones in the adoption and development of e-tendering in India, leading to the current e-tender notice by Maharashtra's Prathmik Shikshan Parishad.

E-tendering in India has evolved from initial adoption to a streamlined and transparent process, driven by technological advancements and policy reforms.

  • 2000Information Technology Act enacted, providing legal framework for electronic transactions.
  • 2004Initial adoption of e-tendering by some government departments.
  • 2012General Financial Rules (GFR) updated to promote e-procurement.
  • 2015Increased focus on transparency and efficiency in government procurement.
  • 2018Launch of the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) to streamline procurement.
  • 2022Further integration of e-tendering platforms with other e-governance systems.
  • 2024Use of blockchain technology explored to enhance transparency and security in e-tendering.
  • 2026Maharashtra's Prathmik Shikshan Parishad issues e-tender notice for infrastructure projects (PASARH Projects).
More Information

Background

The Prathmik Shikshan Parishad in Maharashtra traces its origins to the broader efforts to universalize elementary education in India post-independence. The initial focus was on expanding access to primary education, particularly in rural areas. Over the decades, the Parishad has evolved in its approach, incorporating various national policies and schemes aimed at improving the quality and infrastructure of primary schools.

Key milestones include the implementation of the District Primary Education Programme (DPEP) in the 1990s and the subsequent Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), now subsumed under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan. These initiatives have significantly shaped the Parishad's role in planning, implementing, and monitoring primary education programs across the state.

Latest Developments

Recent developments in Maharashtra's primary education sector include a greater emphasis on digital learning and the integration of technology in classrooms. The state government has been actively promoting the use of online resources and e-learning platforms to enhance the learning experience for students. Furthermore, there's a growing focus on improving teacher training and professional development to ensure that educators are equipped with the necessary skills to deliver quality education.

Looking ahead, the focus is expected to shift towards addressing learning gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring equitable access to education for all children, regardless of their socio-economic background. The implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 will also play a crucial role in shaping the future of primary education in Maharashtra.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA): 1. It aimed to universalize elementary education by 2010. 2. It was primarily funded by the state governments with minimal central government contribution. 3. It focused on bridging gender and social category gaps at the primary level. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.1 and 3 only
  • C.2 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct as SSA aimed to universalize elementary education by 2010. Statement 3 is correct as SSA focused on bridging gender and social gaps. Statement 2 is incorrect as SSA was primarily funded by the central government with state government contribution.

2. In the context of improving school infrastructure in India, consider the following: Assertion (A): Investing in school infrastructure like playgrounds can improve student engagement and physical well-being. Reason (R): Physical activity has no impact on cognitive development and academic performance. In the context of the above, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • C.A is true but R is false
  • D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer

Answer: C

Assertion A is correct as school infrastructure improvements can enhance student engagement and well-being. Reason R is incorrect as physical activity has a positive impact on cognitive development and academic performance.

3. Which of the following is NOT a key objective of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 regarding school education?

  • A.Universal Access to Education at all levels
  • B.Curriculum and Pedagogy Transformation
  • C.Establishing a uniform curriculum across all states
  • D.Teacher Empowerment
Show Answer

Answer: C

NEP 2020 emphasizes flexibility and contextualization of curriculum, not a uniform curriculum across all states. The other options are key objectives of NEP 2020.

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