Just 0.1% of Kumbh Spending Could Have Saved 100–125 Marathi-Medium Schools: Justice PB Varale

Dhule: Supreme Court Justice P. B. Varale has raised a strong concern over the allocation of public funds and the need to give greater priority to education, particularly the preservation of Marathi-medium schools in Maharashtra.

Addressing a gathering at a school in Dhule district, Justice Varale reflected on his own educational journey and highlighted the challenges faced by Marathi-medium schools. He said that education must remain a central priority while the government undertakes large-scale development projects and public events.

Referring to the expenditure proposed for the Nashik-Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela, Justice Varale pointed out that even a fraction of the amount allocated for such a major event could make a substantial difference to school education.

He said that just 0.1 per cent of an amount of ₹32,000 crore would come to around ₹32 crore, and suggested that such an amount could have helped save approximately 100 to 125 Marathi-medium schools from closure.

Justice Varale clarified that his observation was not against development projects or large public events. Rather, he stressed the importance of maintaining a balance in public expenditure and ensuring that education receives adequate financial support.

Importance of Marathi-Medium Education 

Justice Varale spoke about the role of regional-language education and recalled that he himself had studied in municipal and Zilla Parishad Marathi-medium schools until Class 10.

He said that studying in Marathi had not prevented him from achieving professional success. Instead, education in his mother tongue had contributed to his understanding of society, culture and social harmony.

Focus on School Infrastructure 

The judge also drew attention to the condition of educational infrastructure in several rural and residential schools. He stressed that students should have access to essential facilities and a conducive environment for learning.

He expressed concern that the growing needs of students must be reflected in public expenditure and educational planning. According to him, strengthening schools is an investment in the future of society.

Message to Students and Teachers 

Justice Varale also encouraged students to cultivate a regular reading habit. He urged teachers to inspire students to read beyond their prescribed textbooks and develop a wider understanding of society and the world.

His remarks have brought renewed attention to the condition of Marathi-medium schools in Maharashtra and the larger question of how public funds should be balanced between major development initiatives and essential sectors such as education.