BMC spends INR 78 crore over 2 years on maintenance despite schools being closed during pandemic

Recently released data by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has revealed that the civic body, approximately over the last two years, have spent INR 78 crore for maintenance of schools despite the same being closed due the coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. The data reveals that the amount was spent from April 2020 till date, and this is comparatively less in comparison to INR 209 crore spent between April 2016 and March 2019.

A report regarding the same was published in the Mid-Day, which further added that a total of three contractors were given several extensions for the maintenance with an approved cost of more than INR 142 crore.

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Officials informed that the procedure to extend the contracts was ongoing post their end in March 2019, and due to the delay in approving the same, the administration had to extend it further for several times. An official response given to the standing committee informed that irregularities were found in the tender and hence a probe was ordered for the same, which took additional time, due to which new contracts were awarded in a delayed fashion, for a total of seven times.

Opposition parties have slammed the government and expressed their displeasure on the amount used for maintenance during the lockdown. Leaders have criticized the civic body for extending the contact in March 2021. However, the seventh extension in October 2021, was rejected and a new proposal was tabled on Friday, December 3, 2021. Many leaders have stated that there is no system in place for extensions as the proposal are being returned frequently and many extensions have been given to the same contractors.

As of now, a total of 338 school buildings are managed by the BMC in Mumbai, of which over 50 schools were used as COVID care facilities during the pandemic.

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