All government schools in Maharashtra have been directed to mandatorily record and submit the exact geographical location of their premises using a mobile-based GIS system. As per the latest instruction, municipal and Zilla Parishad schools across the state must capture their geo-location details through the UDISE Plus GIS Capture mobile application. The move is aimed at creating accurate, technology-backed records of school infrastructure and location.
I am writing about this directive because it directly impacts thousands of government schools and their administrative staff. While it may appear to be a technical update, geo-location mapping plays a key role in education planning, funding, and monitoring. For schools, timely compliance is important to avoid data gaps, and for parents and policymakers, it ensures greater transparency in how public education infrastructure is tracked and improved.
What the New Direction Means for Government Schools
The instruction applies to all government-run schools under municipal corporations and Zilla Parishads in Maharashtra. Each school is required to use the designated mobile application to mark the precise latitude and longitude of its campus.
This data will become part of the national school database and will be used for planning, audits, and future policy decisions related to infrastructure, accessibility, and student coverage.
What Is UDISE Plus GIS Capture App
The geo-location data will be collected using the UDISE Plus GIS Capture mobile application. UDISE Plus is a centralised data system used to maintain detailed information about schools across India.
The GIS Capture feature allows schools to:
- Record exact geographical coordinates
- Link location data with school profiles
- Ensure accuracy in infrastructure mapping
- Avoid duplication or incorrect records
Schools are expected to complete the process using smartphones with GPS enabled.
Why Geo-Location Data Is Being Made Mandatory
Education authorities have found that inaccurate or outdated location data often leads to planning issues, especially in rural and remote areas. By capturing real-time geo-coordinates, the government can better understand where schools are located and how accessible they are to students.
The main objectives behind this move include:
- Better infrastructure planning
- Improved monitoring of school distribution
- Accurate mapping for disaster management and safety
- Data-backed allocation of resources
This step also supports long-term digital governance in education.
Who Is Responsible for Data Submission
The responsibility of submitting the geo-location data lies with school heads and designated administrative staff. They are expected to ensure that the data is captured correctly and uploaded within the specified timeline.
District and block-level education officers may monitor the progress and provide technical support where required.
Challenges Schools May Face
While the initiative is useful, some schools, especially in remote areas, may face challenges such as:
- Limited smartphone availability
- Poor internet connectivity
- Lack of technical familiarity
To address this, education departments are expected to provide guidance and support to ensure smooth implementation.














