Inspection at Colaba Mumbai Public School Flags Severe Safety and Facility Lapses

An inspection of the Colaba Mumbai Public School has flagged severe issues regarding student safety, hygiene, classroom overcrowding, and undistributed supplies. The inspection was carried out by members of the Cockroach Janta Party as part of the 'School Thik Karo' campaign in Colaba.

The school was shifted from its original location to a market building, where a fish market operates on the ground floor. The inspection revealed that the premises lacked basic security measures, including the complete absence of CCTV cameras.

Basic amenities and hygiene were among the primary concerns highlighted during the visit. The inspection found that sanitary pads were unavailable for female students, with teachers stating they had been following up with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation for the supplies for the past five months. Additionally, water tanks on the school premises were reportedly not cleaned on a regular basis, raising questions over the safety of drinking water provided to children.

Significant lapses were also discovered regarding student welfare materials. Nutritional protein bars ordered in July from a local brand remained packed in boxes and had not been distributed to students. Similarly, school shoes and kits were found sitting in storage rather than being handed over to the children.

Inspectors also noted critical safety hazards. A fire extinguisher located in the building bore an expiry date of 2015, pointing to a lack of regular safety inspections and maintenance.

Overcrowding was heavily documented in the classrooms. Students from Standards I, II, and III were being taught together in a single classroom. The room, designed to hold around 40 students, was accommodating approximately 70 children at the time of the visit.

The school currently operates without a principal. Furthermore, several faculty members were engaged in SIR-related duties during the inspection, leading to reduced teacher availability on campus. Campaign organisers plan to present these findings to relevant authorities to demand urgent corrective measures.