Implement plans in BMC schools first, say parents and teachers

Students and teachers are happy with the provisions of the education budget of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) but are sceptical of its implementation. The state of existing BMC schools should be improved, infrastructure upgraded, good quality teachers should be hired and creative opportunities ought to be provided to students as per educationists.

Parents are discouraged to enrol their children in BMC schools and this approach can be changed by improving the quality of education as per education experts. Shailesh Mane, a teacher said, “We need to improve the way we teach to improve the quality of education at the ground level. The budget does not focus on any teacher training programme or creative methods of teaching and skill development.”

Teachers are also concerned about implementation of projects like providing Tabs, international curriculum and upgrading infrastructure of school buildings. Asmita Gupta, a teacher said, “We have been waiting for these Tabs to be provided to students of Class 9 since this entire academic year. Students have not received it yet though they were supposed to received it last June. School buildings are not in good conditions despite repeated repair works.”

Students are keen about initiatives like Olympiad examination, sports coaching, international curriculum and virtual classrooms. Reena Roy, a student said, “We just hope there are more creative and interesting techniques in everyday learning in classrooms. Also, we should be given more opportunities to participate in competitive examinations, cultural, sports, art and academic programmes like other schools.”

Parents are concerned about security and safety measures. Rachna Jagtap, a parent said, “Our children ought to be safe and the BMC should be aware of this responsibility. Installing CCTV cameras is not the only solution to avert any danger but every staff member should be appointed after a thorough verification process.”