The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation's (NMMC) two Central Board Secondary Education (CBSE) schools have received a good response, prompting the civic body to consider starting pre-primary and kindergarten sections as well in these schools. Gradually, authorities say, they will add more classes at the two existing schools and also introduce newer schools that follow CBSE.
There are 72 NMMC-run schools, of which two are CBSE: One each in Nerul and Koparkhairane. One school has 80 students in Class I while the other has 75. Both schools offer free education in fully air-conditioned classrooms, RFID cards for all students, mid-day meals, uniforms, books and 15 subsidiary items, all free of cost.
"One of the reasons we started CBSE was because parents said they can't afford private schools that offer the board. CBSE prepared students better for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. Admissions this year started late, but we got a good response and even well-educated parents have come forward to enrol their kids here. This year we had only Class I, but next year, we will start pre-primary classes as well. Students living in a one-kilometre radius from the schools will be given preference, as will students from NMMC Anganwadi or Balwadi schools. Poor students will also be prioritised," said Dr Ramaswami N, NMMC commissioner.
Education officer at NMMC, Sandip Sangave said, "Our CBSE schools are better than others. Our teachers have all cleared the central teachers' eligibility test, which you won't find elsewhere. We are reimbursing parents for school bags and raincoats as well."
Dattaram Shigvan, who works in a government office, said, "My daughter is studying in the state board secondary section, while my son was enrolled in Class I this year. But donations to private schools are so high, I cannot even imagine sending him there. I enquired about the NMMC school, who confirmed free education will be provided. It's my dream come true."
MAKING SCHOOL COOL AGAIN
At both schools started this year, the civic body offers free education in ac classrooms, with mid-day meals, uniforms and books
NUMBER CRUNCHING
2 CBSE schools run by NMMC
72 State board schools run by NMMC
42,000 Total students at these schools
105 Total students at these schools
1,033 Total schools run by BMC (Class I to VIII)
2,10 Total schools run by BMC (Class IX and X)
