A platoon of more than 20 State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) personnel staying in classrooms of a dilapidated Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) school in south Mumbai’s Gulalwadi was shifted after a video of their stay was widely shared on social media and the civic body requested police to vacate the premises.
“I found that two classrooms had been given to police personnel, who were sleeping there. After being allowed inside, she found several problems with the school building and facilities. “Most of the children studying in this school come from underprivileged backgrounds. She also alleged that several benches and doors were broken and the library and books were not being maintained properly. She also alleged that some personnel were not properly dressed while staying in the classrooms.
The issue came to light after Chaitali Doshi, a 47-year-old independent volunteer associated with the ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign, visited the school on Wednesday. Doshi, who is studying for a master’s degree in Gujarati literature at SNDT Women’s University, said that when she visited the school, around 47 students were attending classes in two divisions. Because students are studying in the same school,” she said, i was concerned.
Doshi said she initially had to convince the school principal that her visit was aimed at highlighting issues faced by the students and improving the school. An NGO working with the students is helping them with various requirements,” she said. The school building is in a poor condition and the third and fourth floors were closed, according to Doshi. Doshi said she noticed some SRPF personnel staying inside the premises While taking a round of the school.
