Colaba Market School Lacks Sanitary Pads, Teachers and CCTVs, Inspection Finds

Volunteers from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) found multiple infrastructure and resource deficits at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation's (BMC) Colaba Market School in Colaba on Wednesday, during an inspection under their nationwide 'School Thik Karo' campaign.

The school, which serves 1,294 students across classes 1 to 8, lacks CCTV cameras and sanitary pads for female students. According to a 24-point report card compiled by the team, the institution also faces a shortage of teachers, computers, learning facilities, adequate fire extinguishers, and first-aid provisions. Textbooks, notebooks, and scholarships for eligible students were also found to be not always readily available.

Around 10 to 12 volunteers and independent activists visited the premises around 3 pm. CJP national coordinator Akshay Shinde stated that when volunteers asked the school in-charge for the latest requisition document for sanitary pads, they were shown a letter dating back three years.

The report noted several functioning amenities, including an adequate supply of clean drinking water and electricity, satisfactory student attendance, and regular mid-day meals. The school also provides coding lessons, though volunteers observed five students sharing a single laptop during sessions.

Shinde said the overall assessment indicated an urgent need for improvement, adding that the report will be submitted to the concerned authorities with a one-month timeline to resolve the issues. Social activist and independent filmmaker Divya Unny, who accompanied the team, noted that she had mobilised 150 volunteers to independently visit schools and assess gaps.

A BMC education officer stated that the administration was unaware of the inspection and was gathering detailed information regarding the matter.