The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a proposal to develop 488 government schools in the state as "model schools`` to improve the quality of education.

The move is also aimed at creating an education-friendly environment for students. At these "model schools", education will be imparted to develop skills required in the 21st century. A fund of Rs 494 crore will be sanctioned for this purpose, the Chief Minister`s Office (CMO) said in a statement. It said the upgrading of basic amenities such as toilets, drinking water, playgrounds, good classrooms, school buildings, sports material, science laboratories, libraries, is also important apart from the quality of education.