The Maharashtra government has instructed all municipal and Zilla Parishad schools to compulsorily capture and submit the precise geo-location of their campuses using the UDISE Plus GIS Capture mobile app. The initiative is aimed at developing a reliable digital mapping of government schools across the state and ensuring that official databases accurately reflect actual ground conditions. The directive applies uniformly to schools located in cities, towns, villages and even remote areas, making it mandatory for every government-run school to comply without any exemptions.

For years, education planning has depended on paperwork and outdated entries, which often failed to capture ground realities. When schools are not properly mapped, it affects everything from infrastructure funding to student safety planning. This order, issued on December 15 by Sanjay Yadav, State Project Director of the Maharashtra Primary Education Council, and communicated to municipal commissioners and Zilla Parishad chief executive officers, shows that the state wants more accountability and accuracy. For teachers and administrators, it also signals that digital compliance is no longer optional.

What the Government Directive Says

As per the order, every municipal and Zilla Parishad school must geo-tag its campus using the UDISE Plus GIS Capture mobile application. The data captured through the app will become part of the official UDISE Plus database.

Education officers at district and local body levels have been instructed to ensure that schools complete this process within the prescribed timeframe.

Why Geo-Location Data Is Being Collected

The main purpose of collecting geo-location data is to eliminate gaps between records and reality. In many cases, schools have shifted buildings, merged with nearby institutions, or operate from temporary premises that are not accurately reflected in official systems.

Accurate geo-tagging helps the government with:

• Planning infrastructure upgrades and repairs
• Identifying schools in remote or high-risk locations
• Monitoring implementation of education schemes
• Improving disaster response and safety planning

Role of the UDISE Plus GIS Capture App

The UDISE Plus GIS Capture app is designed to record precise latitude and longitude coordinates of school premises. The app allows authorised school staff to upload location data directly, reducing chances of manual errors.

Once submitted, the data can be cross-verified by education officials, creating a transparent and traceable record.

Instructions to Municipal Bodies and Zilla Parishads

The directive has been officially communicated to municipal commissioners and chief executive officers of Zilla Parishads across Maharashtra. These authorities are responsible for supervising the process and ensuring compliance at the school level.

They have also been asked to provide technical guidance where schools face difficulties in using the mobile application.

Concerns at the School Level

Some teachers and headmasters have expressed concern about internet connectivity and access to smartphones, especially in tribal and remote regions. Others have pointed out that staff may need brief training to use the app correctly.

Officials have indicated that support will be provided and that the exercise is meant to improve systems, not penalise schools.

How This Can Help Students in the Long Run

For students and parents, accurate school mapping can lead to better planning of transport, improved infrastructure allocation, and quicker response during emergencies. It also helps authorities identify areas where new schools are required or where overcrowding needs to be addressed.

Over time, reliable data can translate into better decision-making and fairer distribution of resources.