The standing committee of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Thursday deferred a decision regarding financial assistance to a non-governmental organization (NGO) that operates English-medium schools under its management. The administration had proposed a public-private partnership model to run five schools for a period of nine years, with an estimated total expenditure of Rs 101.25 crore.
Proposal Details
Under the proposal, the civic body would pay the NGO Rs 25,000 per student annually to operate these five schools. Based on an estimated enrollment of 4,500 students, the yearly expenditure would amount to Rs 11.25 crore. The schools are located in Somwar Peth, Bhavani Peth, Bopodi, Yerawada, and Koregaon Park.
Committee's Concerns
Standing committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale stated, “Committee members wanted detailed information about the NGO’s work, which has been providing free education in these schools for the past few years. The committee has now decided to reconsider the proposal and forward it through the education committee.” He emphasized that the funding would impose a significant burden on the municipal treasury, and a decision would be made only after thorough evaluation. Directions were issued to review the proposal.
Current Management
Currently, the NGO manages these five English-medium schools, which together serve 4,500 students. The PMC covers all expenses related to school buildings, electricity bills, maintenance and repairs, student uniforms, direct benefit transfers, midday meals, and other basic amenities.
Political Reactions
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Mukund Kirdat criticized the move, saying, “The civic body lacked funds and handed over these government schools to be run with CSR funds. Now, reversing this entirely, the BJP mayor and the municipal corporation are implementing a flawed experiment where private organizations retain control over these schools while the government provides the money.”
Environmental Concerns
Addressing objections raised by environmentalists, Bhimale assured that he would oppose the felling of old trees. “If project modifications are possible to avoid tree cutting, those changes will be made. Trees that are more than 100 or 200 years old will not be cut,” he added.
