Mumbai: BMC's free mask move for school students slammed

In Maharashtra, offline classes for students between Std IX-XII are expected to resume from January 18. File pic/Satej Shinde

The BMC's decision to distribute 80 lakh masks to its school students has drawn criticism, with a teacher's body and the BJP questioning the rationale behind the move. The civic body will spend Rs 20 crore on the facial guards.

Offline classes for students between Std IX and XII are expected to resume across the state from January 18 and the BMC plans to give 25 reusable masks to each student.

The Maharashtra Teachers Association has sought to know how it will acquire so many masks - from issuing a tender to keeping a mask ready for students - in just five days.

Shivnath Darade, secretary of the association's Mumbai division, has written to the BMC commissioner on the need for so many masks when children from junior classes are not likely to return to schools soon. "In this case, why should BMC require so much money for face masks for just a few classes? Is tendering the only objective behind it?" Darade wrote.

BMC's tender says each mask should be of three layers with adjustable bands and usable for at least 30 washes. The association says its reservation is also attributed to the fact that the students have few months left in the academic year.

The association has accused the BMC of ignoring other measures like thermal guns, handwash and sanitiser for schools. It says there have been complaints of poor hygiene after many schools were used as quarantine centres.

"All these tasks were expected to be done by the civic body from November 10, when the initial plan of reopening of schools from November 23 was underway. The essential help is ignored while additional money is allocated for new tasks," added Darade.

BJP corporator Vinod Mishra said the large order for masks makes no sense as there are few schools that have classes between IX and XII. "The cost of the mask should also be questioned," said Mishra.