India, Aug. 27 -- The Maharashtra government approved a major expansion of the stepwise grant for private unaided and partially aided schools on August 25, providing relief to over 52,000 teachers and non-teaching staff across the state.

The stepwise grant policy, first introduced in 2009, has been expanded gradually over the years. A 2024 resolution on aid was scrapped last month, paving the way for the latest order.

In a government resolution (GR) issued on Monday, the School Education and Sports department sanctioned the next 20% grant instalment for schools already covered under the scheme, as well as first-time assistance to newly eligible institutions. The decision, effective August 1, 2025, is expected to cost the state exchequer...