Pune: PCMC Commissioner Urges Focus on Competitive Exams, Felicitates High Achievers
Pimpri, 24th July 2025: In a strong push towards improving academic excellence, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Commissioner and Administrator Shekhar Singh today called upon all civic school teachers to develop focused strategies to enhance students’ performance in various school-level and competitive exams, beyond just board results and scholarship tests.
He was speaking at a city-wide dialogue session with principals and teachers, organised by PCMC’s Education Department at Ramkrishna More Auditorium, Chinchwad. The session saw enthusiastic participation from school heads, teachers, education department officials, and representatives from partner organisations such as ZEP Foundation.
“While the achievements of our students in the past academic year are commendable and a matter of pride for all of us, we must now raise the bar. It is time to actively plan for stronger outcomes in competitive exams and ensure our students are future-ready,” said Commissioner Singh.
He added that PCMC schools have seen remarkable progress through the use of technology in education, and the next step would be to introduce students to artificial intelligence (AI) and digital literacy. Referring to initiatives like Spandan, QCI assessment, and Bharat Darshan, Singh highlighted how such programmes have contributed positively to student learning outcomes and holistic growth.
“We are committed not just to academic excellence but to nurturing well-rounded individuals. Through school-based activities, our aim is to build character and life skills among students. All teachers and principals must ensure 100% implementation of educational initiatives in the current academic year,” Singh emphasised.
Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil also addressed the gathering, urging all schools to work towards a 100% pass rate in the SSC board exams this year. He assured full support from the municipal corporation, including timely provision of sports teachers, skill training materials, and resolution of any resource gaps.
Key Highlights from the Teacher-Principal Conclave:
Launch of a new Computer Literacy curriculum and textbooks
Presentation of QCI evaluation results and academic year 2025–26 planning
Introduction to the revised Saksham Project framework
Briefing on MIS system developed under the CHDC initiative
Presentation on Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya entrance support efforts
Top Performers Honoured with Rs 1 Lakh Awards
As a mark of recognition, PCMC felicitated 28 students from its schools who scored above 90% in the 2024-25 Class 10 exams. Each student received a cash award of Rs 1 lakh from Commissioner Singh and Additional Commissioner Jambhale Patil. These included students like Rustam Chaturvedi, Bushra Shaikh, Akash Mandal, Yashraj Kamble, Shravan Toknage, Muskan Chaurasia, and others who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the quality of education and opportunities provided by PCMC schools.
Students Dhirendra Mahato (Jadhavwadi Secondary School) and Esha Patil (Kasarwadi English Medium School) spoke on behalf of the awardees. They praised the supportive school environment, dedicated teachers, and facilities that helped them dream big and work towards their goals.
