Education
BMC Plans to Introduce CBSE Curriculum in Every Ward’s Civic School in Mumbai
Mumbai, 18th September 2023– The Education Department of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has unveiled an ambitious plan to introduce the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum in every civic school within Mumbai’s wards. With the aim of expanding the reach of quality education, BMC authorities are now actively seeking suitable school buildings in each ward to apply for CBSE approval.
Currently, BMC oversees the operation of 11 schools that are affiliated with the CBSE board, in addition to one school each offering the Indian Certificate of School Education (ICSE), Cambridge, and International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.
The decision to extend CBSE curriculum offerings comes on the heels of BMC’s successful implementation of the CBSE curriculum in its existing schools. Officials from the civic body’s education wing have directed local education officers in each ward to provide data regarding the availability of school buildings that meet the necessary infrastructural requirements for CBSE affiliation.
An official from the education department stated, “Local education officers have been asked to submit data on the number of school buildings in their respective areas and identify those capable of meeting the infrastructural prerequisites essential for CBSE approval. Appropriate actions will be taken following the collation of this information.”
Highlighting the intent behind this initiative, the officer explained, “There has always been a plan to introduce more civic schools offering non-state board curricula in the city. Urban parents increasingly prefer enrolling their children in non-state board schools. When BMC initiated these schools, the objective was to make popular curricula accessible to underprivileged students who typically could not secure admissions in high-profile non-state board schools. After successfully introducing non-state board curricula in select civic schools, we are now exploring the feasibility of expanding this model.”
Traditionally, civic schools in Mumbai have adhered to the state board curriculum. However, BMC adopted the innovative approach of offering more sought-after non-state board curricula in civic schools in 2020. This initiative commenced with one school each affiliated with CBSE and ICSE curriculum, and in response to growing demand, BMC has since established an additional 10 CBSE-affiliated schools.
Confirming the preliminary nature of the plan, D Gangadharan, BMC Deputy Commissioner (Education), stated, “The initiative is currently in its initial stages, as we are presently focused on data collection.”
This visionary move by the BMC promises to broaden educational opportunities for students across Mumbai and enhance the overall quality of education in civic schools.