Mumbai: BMC to Procure School Supplies Through GeM Portal; Opposition Raises Delay Concerns

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has decided to procure 27 educational items required for students from Classes 1 to 8 through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal this year. Earlier, these purchases were made through the traditional tender process, but the civic body has now shifted to the GeM system.

The decision has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, who fear delays in the distribution of educational materials when schools reopen. Meanwhile, the ruling Mahayuti alliance has defended the move, claiming it will increase transparency and help the civic body save nearly INR 30–INR 40 crore.

The BMC provides students with uniforms, notebooks, school bags, shoes, umbrellas, raincoats and other educational supplies. In March, the civic body had initiated the conventional tender process for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years. However, the process was later cancelled and replaced with procurement through the GeM platform.

Under the new system, proposals for purchasing raincoats and umbrellas have been placed before the standing committee for approval. Once approved, the selected contractors will be required to complete the supply within 45 days.

Opposition leader Ashraf Azmi criticised the delay, saying the usefulness of raincoats and umbrellas would reduce if they are distributed after most of the monsoon season has passed. On the other hand, standing committee chairman Prabhakar Shinde stated that procurement through GeM would result in significant financial savings.

At present, nearly 3.10 lakh students are studying in around 1,150 BMC-run schools across Mumbai.

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