Student intake doubles in Mumbai Public Schools, 300 new teachers appointed

Around 301 teachers have been appointed for Mumbai Public School (MPS) as the intake of students in these schools has doubled. MPS faced a lack of teachers but the BMC has now focussed on increasing recruitment by hiring good quality teachers.

Over 27,000 students are studying in around 84 Mumbai Public Schools managed by the BMC. MPS is the only model of civic-run schools which provides complete education from Kindergarten (KG) till Class 10 for free. And due to this, a large number of students and parents are securing admissions in these schools. This year, the intake capacity of students in these schools doubled. But these schools have been facing a lack of teachers who can teach and cater to higher standards like Class 9 and 10. A senior education officer of BMC education department said, “There has been a lack of teachers as many teachers cannot teach Class 10 which involves the final SSC board examination. Teachers also need to have a good understanding and fluency of English language.”

Around 300 teachers have been appointed by BMC in these schools. “We have hired teachers who have a Diploma in Education (DEd) degree and have completed basic Class 12 through the English medium. These teachers will focus on English language and follow the SSC board curriculum,” the officer added.

Sheela Deshmukh, a teacher said, “The number of students applying for admissions is far more than the number of teachers working at these schools. Students are keen on these schools as the education is free and they don’t need to shift after Class 8.”

All the civic-run run school models provide free education from Class 1 to 8. But only MPS provides a complete solution till the student completes Class 10. Kishore Mane, a parent said, “We have to generally hunt for a school and shift to another school after Class 8. For two years more of education we have to bear the stress of changing schools. MPS is a good initiative to provide complete education at a single platform. It will help reduce the drop-out rate of BMC schools.”