BMC Proposes Attendance Allowance to Boost Declining Enrolment in Marathi-Medium Schools

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation is considering introducing an "attendance allowance" to reverse declining enrolment in its Marathi-medium schools, which has fallen nearly 50% over the past decade. From 2014-15 to 2023-24, student numbers dropped from 63,335 to 33,739, while the number of schools decreased from 368 to 262.

The proposal, discussed at the newly reconstituted BMC Education Committee, would extend financial incentives to both boys and girls studying in Marathi-medium schools. This builds on an existing scheme that provides fixed deposits ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 for girl students.

Committee chairperson Rajeshree Shirwadkar stated that the exact allowance amount would depend on final budgetary allocations. However, education activists have expressed scepticism, noting the lack of clarity on funding and calling the initiative an "eyewash" until concrete allocations are confirmed. The issue gained prominence during Mumbai's recent civic election campaign, with organizations alleging deliberate closure of Marathi-medium schools.