MUNICIPAL SCHOOLS

Municipal Schools – A Preview


The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation runs more than 1000 schools in Mumbai with a total enrolment of over 650,000. Their purpose is to provide primary education at low cost. Shifts in population, specially of the jobless and the homeless, now threaten the functioning of these schools.


In recent years many mills and other factories in the Island city have closed down, and there has been an intense drive by the BMC to clear away slums. This has displaced a large population from the previously crowded areas of Parel and Lalbaug. Several schools have had to be closed because of lack of students. The remaining students then have to travel to a school further off, resulting in a further decline in attendance. In addition, as earning members of the family become jobless, students drop out of school in order to help shore up the family's income.


In contrast, suburban schools are overcrowded. The number of teachers is far less than what is required; sometimes a teacher has to take two classes at the same time. Such problems have led to a fall in enrolments even in the suburbs.
The BMC runs a mid-day meal scheme in its schools--- providing milk and khichdi to all students. In some schools this scheme has been discontinued.


A policy of no failures has been implemented, which makes it mandatory for all schools to pass all children in their first four years of schooling. This, coupled with a lack of individualised teaching, has occassionally resulted in children entering middle school without having acquired elementary reading or writing skills. The drop out rate among such students is very high.






Municipal schools are an integral part of the education system of our society as it imparts teaching to the lower income strata. Mulund Powai Plus readers suggests various measures to revive the old lost charm of civic schools and bring them at par with the standard of public schools


There is an urgent need for the revival of civic schools and we can adopt the following ways for its revival. First, if the school structure is in a poor state then it should be given a facelift. If structurally week, it should be repaired, renovated and restored. This will bring enthusiasm in the children and teachers.



Also, maintaining basic hygienic conditions can do wonders to boost the morals of children. Second, train teachers by conducting simple basic training courses from eminent teaching professionals and scholars. The BMC teachers should be inline with the modern teaching techniques. Offer incentives to teachers who imbibe real knowledge to children with dedication. Third, attendance should be made compulsory for both teachers and students. And, lastly provide good meal/snacks to attract under privileged children.


The recent SSC/HSC results have shown that students from poor, under privileged sections are also bright, as they have performed well against all odds. If the BMC standing committee on education implements the above four mentioned points, we may see more students enrolling into civic schools and scoring good marks.










Suggestions To Improve Standard Of Municipal Schools:

Illiteracy is the main cause of all the problems in India. So, civic schools are the only means by which the rural and poor population of the country can be educated. The government should come up with plans like mid-day meal, monthly wages for the students studying in these schools, free uniforms and books should also be provided. Reviving the civic schools is one of the best ways of spreading education to every nook and corner of the country.

Municipal schools are an important part of the society because parents with low income can easily pursue their ward's education there. But many of them are under impression that the municipal schools do not provide good education. But actually the education given by the civic schools are same as the private schools. So in order to revive the civic schools, the concerned authorities should see that if so many students are leaving the school then what is the reason for that. And, if they are leaving then are they pursuing their education further or they are leaving studies midway? Only strict implementation of certain rules can help reviving the civic schools.

Door-to-door campaigning and advertising in local newspapers should be undertaken highlighting state rank holders of civic schools to impress parents about the quality of education in civic schools. Distribution of free food packets, books, stationery and dress to the needy children may woo the children to be most regular to school.
Instruction should be given to teaching staff to be more sincere, dedicated and cool headed. Surprise checks through Inspectors will make the teaching staff and students more alert, which will also help in the revival of civic schools.

The pathetic condition of Municipal schools in the state is due to the negligent attitude of the state administration who is hardly concerned about dire state of the civic schools. We need to first bring the issue to the notice of the officials concerned and then suggest them measures that will give a complete makeover to the municipal schools.

The government should first improve the infrastructure of the schools in the area by renovating the school buildings; providing students a better toilet facility and sensible and sincere teaching staff. Along with this, extra curricular activities should also be promoted in the school, which will make school more interesting for students. Also other important facilities like mid-day meal, free books and rewards for performing well, will also help revive the civic schools in the suburbs.