Corporators halt BMC’s school PPP push over revenue, control concerns

A newly built BMC school in Kandivli’s Thakur Village remained vacant last month pending its PPP transfer. Representation pic/istock

While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for schools was already under criticism, it faced unanimous opposition from corporators at the education committee meeting on Friday. In December last year, the civic body had proposed handing over six land plots and school buildings to private players to run institutions under the partnership.

Revenue concerns

Corporators flagged that the PPP model offers minimal financial return to the civic body while limiting the education department's control. "Only three per cent of student revenue and 10 per cent of earnings from school grounds and halls will go to the BMC. These decisions were taken hastily before municipal elections, and we need greater transparency to ensure the deal benefits the civic body," said Rohan Rathod, a BJP corporator and education committee member.

Members also raised concerns over the 30-year duration of the agreements and the low valuation of land use. Rathod added that while he is not against the PPP policy, the revenue share must be higher as the land belongs to the BMC.

Pause requested

Local leaders demanded the appointment of financial consultants and wider deliberation. Education Committee Chairperson Rajeshree Shirwadkar directed that all PPP processes be paused until officials respond to queries in the next meeting. Concerns were also raised about the civic education department's control over school fees and admissions, particularly for underprivileged students.

Across party lines, corporators maintained that the BMC-run schools remain the better option. "If the BMC can run CBSE, ICSE, and international schools efficiently, there is no need for private players," said Ankit Prabhu, Shiv Sena (UBT) corporator. Last month, a newly built BMC school in Thakur Village, Kandivli East, remained vacant as its transfer under the PPP model was pending. The education department will now submit a progress report on the identified plots in the next meeting.