The Education Department has recently decided not to grant a subsidy to private primary schools due to non-payment of subsidy from the state government. Meanwhile, Shikshak Bharti has protested against the state’s decision for not giving subsidy to teachers who have been working in primary schools.
The state government had decided against giving subsidy to schools which were built after 2013. Teachers then raised a question regarding schools which were built before submitting the proposal. Then the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) assured that these schools will receive a subsidy. But, 63 such schools which were constructed before 2013 have not yet received the subsidy. Hence, teachers and other employees are working on meagre payment.
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It is BMC's duty to provide basic education to the children. Therefore, the BMC is currently giving a subsidy to private schools along with its own schools. If the state government provides 50 per cent funds to the municipal corporation to provide a subsidy to primary schools, then the municipal corporation provides 50 per cent of funds from its own budget.
However, in the last few years, as the state government is not giving subsidy on time, the BMC has to pay from its own budget after not receiving timely funds for many years. Subsidies have to be donated from the Corporation's coffers to the aided schools. Because of this, the state government has to pay pending subsidy worth ₹300 crores to the BMC.
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The responsibility of providing funds to private primary schools is of the local bodies and the government. Despite this, schools are denied the funds leaving them in the lurch.
The BMC is considered as the richest municipal corporation with the savings of ₹65 Cr. This is very sad that the corporators play dirty politics over Marathi vote and deny giving subsidy to Marathi schools,” Ashok Belsare, President, Shikshak Bharat.
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For more than five years, 63 private primary schools are waiting for their subsidy. These schools are eligible for subsidies yet both the BMC and the state are busy passing the buck but nobody is ready to take responsibility. Along with this, many Marathi schools that have not received subsidies are shutting down. The BMC should not wait until the state provides subsidy and should give the same to all schools who are on the verge of getting close,” Subhash More, working president, Shikshak Bharti.
Image Credit- DNA
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