Mumbai: New Mahim School building to be audited again

The BMC said that even a third-party audit classified the school building as a dangerous structure

Maharashtra Minister for School Education, Dada Bhuse, on Tuesday directed officials to conduct a detailed enquiry into the sudden closure of New Mahim School, following persistent demands from parents and activists for transparency over the building's safety status. The minister assured that a structural audit will be completed within eight days, after which a clear decision on the resumption of classes will be taken.

While the process of this new inspection is underway, the school was recently shut after committees inspecting the building reportedly flagged structural concerns. However, parents and community members have repeatedly questioned the lack of clarity surrounding these reports, urging the BMC and school infrastructure cell to publicly share the findings and justify the closure. With hundreds of students currently displaced and attending classes in temporary arrangements, the demand for transparency has only intensified.

A classroom with ceiling plaster breaking off. PICS/RITIKA GONDHALEKAR/ADITI ALURKAR

Responding to the concerns, Bhuse said, "The issue brought to my attention will definitely be looked into. We will conduct a thorough enquiry and ensure that all inspection and audit findings are made available. If the building is found fit for use, with only minor repairs required, the classes will resume there immediately." He added that officials have been instructed to prioritise the matter and avoid unnecessary delays that may affect students' education.

The minister emphasised that the structural safety of the building will remain the decisive factor. "In the coming week, we will undertake a detailed structural audit of the school. If the building turns out to be safe, we will resume schooling promptly," he said.

Parents react

Parents, who have been protesting the closure, welcomed the minister's statement but reiterated the need for timely action. Many noted that the relocation of classes has been inconvenient for students, especially those in primary grades, and has disrupted their academic routine.

"School repair is a must. But I am in the fifth month of pregnancy, and my older children haven't been going to school for the past week as I have to look after my health. My other children are aged 11 and six. My husband who works in the banner printing business leaves home at 10 am and returns at 11 pm. We miss having our Mahim school; dropping the children off at Kapad Bazar Public School is difficult," said Reshma Nadeem Shaikh from Dharavi.

Clarifying the issue formerly, BMC officials had released a statement saying that the New Mahim School land is to be utilised for schooling purposes only and that even after a third-party audit, the school still remains classified as a dangerous structure. Citizens, however, continue to demand that the report be released in the public domain.

Sonal Dinesh Dabhade, who resides in Matunga Labour Camp, used to send her three children to the New Mahim School. "Now I have to walk all three of them to a school in Sion. I work as a house help, and it cuts into my working hours. We hope to get our old school back soon," she said.

Activist Speak

Pranali Raut, AAP member and activist
‘Creating committees simply lengthens the process of arriving at the decision. We hope that the civic body would make the documents of their audit publicly available so the right decision can be taken for the students. Meanwhile, we are willing to protest till we get the report. The parents who once sent their children to the New Mahim School are now inconvenienced because they cannot commute to the new school location, since they are daily wage workers'