Pune: Proposal to Extend Contract for Operation of Five PMC Schools by Private Organisation Sent Back for Reconsideration by Standing Committee

Pune, 12th June 2026: The Pune Municipal Corporation’s Standing Committee on Thursday asked the civic administration to reconsider its proposal to hand over the operation of five municipal schools to a private foundation under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, stating that the matter should first be placed before the Education Committee.

Standing Committee chairman Shrinath Bhimale said the proposal had been sent directly to the committee without being routed through the Education Committee, prompting members to seek a review. “The proposal should be presented through the Education Committee before any decision is taken,” he said.

The proposal pertains to five English-medium schools run by the PMC’s education department — K C Thackeray Vidya Niketan in Rasta Peth, Savitribai Phule School in Bhavani Peth, Late Anantrao Pawar School in Bopodi, Matoshri English Medium School in Yerawada and Kasturba Gandhi School in Koregaon Park.

These schools have been managed by Akanksha Foundation since 2007 through corporate social responsibility (CSR) funding. Under the existing arrangement, the civic body bears expenses related to uniforms, educational material, building infrastructure and electricity bills, while the foundation manages the cost of principals, teachers and other staff.

The administration had proposed extending the arrangement by allowing the foundation to operate the schools for another nine years under a PPP model. The proposal envisages a payment of Rs 25,000 per student annually to the foundation.

With around 4,500 students enrolled across the five schools, the annual expenditure is estimated at Rs 11.25 crore. Over the proposed nine-year contract period, the civic body’s financial commitment would amount to approximately Rs 101.25 crore.

Bhimale said the substantial financial implications of the proposal warranted a detailed discussion and scrutiny. “The civic body will have to bear a liability of more than Rs 101 crore. Considering the financial burden on the municipal treasury, the proposal needs to be examined carefully before any decision is taken,” he said.

The Standing Committee has now directed the administration to revisit the proposal and submit it through the Education Committee for further consideration.