BMC plans to scrap existing 'free school kit' plan, will deposit money into students' bank accounts every year instead
Students have been asked to open bank accounts and get their Aadhaar cards made by April this year, so that the BMC can begin the process of transfering the money
Starting next academic year, the BMC has proposed to deposit Rs 2,300 into the bank accounts of students, studying in civic schools across the city. The move is a shift from its previous initiative of providing school kits to students, which drew a lot of flak due to poor quality of the items.
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According to the new proposal, the civic administration has made a provision of Rs 83 crore for the academic year 2018-19. This money will be directly deposited into the student's bank account. As per figures available with the civic body, 3.46 crore civic students will benefit from the online transfer scheme. The proposal was tabled during the group leaders meeting on Tuesday. However, no discussion was held.
An official from the education department said, "All the schools have been told to ensure that students in their class get their Aadhaar card by April this year. The Aadhaar card will be linked to the beneficiary's bank account. Students have been asked to open bank accounts. Money can also be transferred into their parents' joint account."
He added, "Under the scheme the beneficiaries are supposed to submit bills or receipt of the items purchased. After verification of bills or receipt, we will transfer the money into their accounts."
The proposal is, however, facing stiff opposition. A senior Shiv Sena leader in the BMC said, "There is no system where we can check whether the money transferred in the student's account will be used for the right purpose. There is a high possibility of misuse of money by the parents."
Samajwadi Party group leader Rais Shaikh is also unsure of the success of the scheme. "A majority of the BMC school students have poor financial backgrounds, so there will always be a risk of parents using the money for some other purpose." Shaikh suggested a pilot run, before the project is implemented in all schools.
3.46 cr
No. of students who will benefit from the BMC's new scheme
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