Mumbai: The Maharashtra govt has decided to allow the introduction of new social work courses and additional batches in colleges from the academic year 2027-28, ending a long-standing policy restricting the expansion of social work education in the state. The decision was taken at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday.Under the new policy, existing traditional colleges will be permitted to start a separate faculty of social work, while existing social work colleges can introduce new courses or additional batches on a permanent unaided basis. The move is expected to increase the number of seats available for social work education from the next academic year.Department of Social Justice and Special Assistance had earlier restricted the establishment of new social work colleges, citing the rise in the number of institutions and limited employment opportunities for graduates. The subject was transferred to the higher education department in Feb 2024. The govt said there is a growing need for trained social workers to support SC/ST, women, children, persons with disabilities and other disadvantaged sections of society. The shortage of trained professionals was attributed, among other things, to restrictions on opening new colleges and adding batches in existing institutions.There are currently 69 recognised social work colleges in Maharashtra.