India, March 9 -- The All India Students' Federation (AISF) has opposed the Maharashtra government's proposed EduCity project announced in the 2026 state budget, alleging that the initiative could accelerate the privatisation of education and weaken the public education system.

In a statement issued after the budget presentation, the student organisation said the plan to develop EduCities and educational hubs across the state could turn higher education into a market-driven sector, making it accessible largely to students from affluent backgrounds.

The AISF criticised the government's proposal to set up eight to ten educational cities in Maharashtra and to invite foreign universities to establish campuses in Navi Mumbai. The organisatio...