03 February,2018 12:21 PM IST | Mumbai | Pallavi Smart
Representation pic
Students of civic schools won't be limited to studying only the state board anymore. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) now plans to offer CBSE, ICSE and IB boards in its schools.
What's the plan?
The 2018-19 education budget of the BMC offers a host of ambitious plans for students. It has been proposed to start 35 new schools under the public-private partnership model in those that have closed on account of decreasing or nil student strength. These schools will be affiliated to CBSE, ICSE, IGCSE and international boards. BMC intends to involve reputed educational trusts and use CSR funds to run these schools. The 24 'international schools', one in each ward, are expected to facilitate the civic body in preparing students for international examinations. A budgetary provision of Rs 25 lakh has been made for this.
Bi-lingua franca
Considering the demand for English language education, bi-lingual schools will become a regular feature in civic schools. Dual language classes have already started in 58 schools from academic year 2017-18. The plan is to start such programmes in 649 civic schools gradually in the academic year 2018-19.
BMC justifies move
Justifying BMC's stand, Shubhada Gudekar, chairman of the education committee, said, "These changes have been proposed considering growing popularity for English medium schools and those affiliated to non-state boards. In the PPP model, we will be taking academic support from reputed schools offering such curriculum, but the schools will be run by us with BMC's finances as well as funding from CSR. In no way will the students be charged for studying in these schools. So, it would be wrong to say that we are leaning toward privatisation."
Further simplifying the proposal, Mahesh Palkar, BMC's education officer, said, "Children coming from families holding a yellow ration card will be given preference in these schools. But even without a yellow ration card, education at these schools will be free for students, just as other civic schools." While the proposal is awaiting a final nod, Palkar added they plan to get it in order soon to begin admission in such schools from June.
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