Mumbai News: Colaba Parents Protest Closure Of Civic-Run School, Demand Immediate Alternative For 1,500 Students

Mumbai: The abrupt closure of two buildings of civic-run in Colaba has triggered widespread anger among parents. The shutdown, which took place last month, has forced approximately 1,500 English-medium students to shift to online classes, creating disruption in their education. Former local corporator Makarand Narwekar, along with aggrieved parents, has demanded that the authorities arrange an alternative physical location for the students within two days. Failing this, they have threatened to organise a protest march involving all students and their parents.

Student outside the school premise

Parents Demand Quick Physical Alternative

Parents and students of the Colaba Municipal School staged a protest on Monday, expressing strong dissatisfaction over the closure of their school and the forced transition to online learning. Highlighting the challenges of online education, Kumar Rathod, a parent, said, “If we have two children in the same school, are we expected to have two smartphones? Class timings are announced barely an hour in advance. If children misuse the phones given for studying, are we expected to watch over them the entire day? When are we supposed to work?” He further criticised the alternative arrangement, saying, “They are shifting us to GT School, which is in an even worse condition. That building is also on the verge of shutting down.” Another concerned parent, Charan Rathod, added, “Our children are dropping out of school, who will take responsibility for that? If the issue is not resolved within the next two days, we will join the protest against the municipal corporation.” 

Appeal to Child Rights Commission

Narwekar stated, “This building was repaired two years ago and is not dilapidated. Minor repairs may be needed, but shutting the school and risking students' futures is unacceptable. If the BMC doesn't provide an alternative space within two days, parents and students will march to BMC headquarters.” He alleged that the BMC failed to arrange alternatives for 1,500 students, forcing them into online classes, leading to dropouts due to lack of smartphones, poor connectivity, and cramped homes. Narwekar has also wrote to the Maharashtra State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), seeking their intervention. 

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The school at A M Sawant Marg was closed last month after one building was declared dilapidated and both ordered for demolition. While non-English sections were relocated, no alternative was provided for the English-medium students from kindergarten to Class 8.