MUMBAI, 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 10 educational cities in Maharashtra and to invite foreign universities to establish campuses in Navi Mumbai. The organisation argued that the focus should instead be on encouraging investments and strengthening government schools, colleges and universities. Vaibhav Chopkar, state president of AISF Maharashtra, said the organisation would oppose policies that encourage greater private participation in higher education. "Through the EduCity concept, the government appears to be moving towards handing over higher education to private players. If education becomes more expensive, students from poor and marginalised communities will be pushed out of the system." AISF state secretary Pratiksha Dhake also questioned the government's priorities, stating that many government schools still lack basic infrastructure and teaching staff. "Before speaking about international exposure or visits to institutions like NASA, the government must ensure that every school has basic facilities such as laboratories and adequate teachers," she said....