India
Parents are concerned over Navi Mumbai schools going offline
The fact that private schools in Navi Mumbai are shifting their students’ medium of instruction from online to offline right before the end of the academic year has been a source of anxiety for parents.
Many private institutions in the city are making it mandatory for children to attend school offline, while the online system is being phased out entirely.
After the management published a circular making offline school and exams mandatory, children at Poddar International School, Nerul, experienced similar confusion.
Concerning an earlier circular issued by the BMC on February 25, 2022, the March 2 circular informed parents that the school would be discontinuing online sessions as of March 7.
“Because the school is governed by NMMC, the decision to go online based on a directive from another corporation is invalid.” It is unacceptable to make a hasty decision to go offline without thinking that there may be parents who work from afar. “Ideally, the school should keep hybrid schooling for at least this year,” a parent from the school remarked, “which even the State Government circular favors.”
Parents were posting their anxieties and problems on the school’s social media group. Everything from the financial hardship to organizing transportation for only a few days of school to the health risk of pupils who have not been vaccinated was explored in detail.
“The carriers are billing for the entire month, even though school is only a few days away.” Another parent noted, “Lower standard students are not vaccinated, thus calling them in full capacity increases the chance of getting Covid.”
Similar concerns were expressed by parents at other private institutions. “There are parents who have filed for a Leaving Certificate and moved to Mumbai, but they are forced to travel every day since school has made offline examination necessary,” claimed a parent from DPS School, Nerul, where the offline school is mandatory from Class 7 onwards.
Another parent at Presentation Convent, ICSE, Nerul, went through a similar situation. “There are no online classes for grades 8 through 10.” “Many youngsters skipped school for a month and are now obligated to return solely to take their examinations,” the parent explained.
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) issued an emergency notice on March 2 prohibiting the school from taking any such action without first holding a meeting with the parents.
“The NMMC has not issued a circular directing school to only offer offline classes.” As a result, no decision made by any private school within our jurisdiction is lawful,” stated Jaydeep Pawar, DMC (education).
On Thursday, Podar management reversed its prior decision and issued notices that a hybrid form of instruction would continue. According to the notification, the offline mode was more successful in providing excellent education, and parents were asked to make their decisions appropriately.
Bhushan Bonde, the principal of Podar School (ICSE), indicated that the school complied with all NMMC directives and did everything in the best interests of the kids. “As it has done for the past two years, the school will continue to offer both online and offline means for both classes and tests. “Even for transportation services, the previous payment facility is made accessible for the proportionate days attended,” he stated.
Attempts to contact the principals of DPS and Presentation Convent remained unanswered on multiple occasions. The text messages that were sent were also not reversed.
Ahead of Ganeshotsav, police issue safety guidelines to protect public peace and aircraft operations.
The Protocols
As preparations for Ganeshotsav gather pace, Navi Mumbai Police have asked Ganesh mandals to keep celebrations safe and peaceful by avoiding loud DJ systems and laser lights during processions.
Police said excessive DJ music can disturb senior citizens, children and patients. Mandals have been encouraged to use traditional musical instruments instead, particularly during Ganesh idol arrival and immersion processions.
Authorities have also warned that sound systems crossing the permitted noise limits will not be allowed. Those who ignore the rules could face legal action. The police have issued a special warning about laser lights in the Panvel area because of its proximity to Navi Mumbai International Airport. Strong laser beams can temporarily affect a pilot’s vision and create a serious safety risk, especially when aircraft are taking off or landing.
According to officials, the airport operates around the clock, with a large number of flight movements every day. Police said there have already been complaints from pilots about laser lights during aircraft approaches. Deputy Commissioner of Police Rashmi Nandedkar has directed local police stations to inform Ganesh mandals about the restrictions while granting loudspeaker permissions.
Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe said devotees should enjoy the festival with enthusiasm while also respecting public safety and the peace of residents. The police have urged organisers to cooperate with the guidelines so that Ganeshotsav can remain festive, traditional and safe for everyone.
Corporator Kishor Patkar suggests using vacant CIDCO plots in Sector 19-F for a dedicated mental health facility.
The Hospital
Navi Mumbai could soon have a dedicated mental health hospital if a new proposal for two plots in Vashi moves forward.
Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde) corporator Kishor Patkar has proposed that the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) take over two CIDCO plots in Sector 19-F and use them to develop a modern mental health hospital. The proposal is expected to be discussed at the NMMC general body meeting.
Patkar has asked the civic body to first check the legal and physical status of the plots. He has sought information about their original allotment, ownership records, pending dues and whether the land has been reserved for any specific purpose under the development plan.
He has also asked NMMC to verify construction permissions and whether CIDCO’s required No-Objection Certificate is available. According to Patkar, if the plots are vacant and suitable for development, they should be acquired from CIDCO and put to public use by creating a modern mental health facility.
The proposal comes amid an ongoing debate over major hospital projects in Navi Mumbai, including a separate controversy surrounding a proposed super-speciality hospital and medical college. With mental health gaining greater attention, the proposal has brought a different aspect of public healthcare into the city’s development discussion. The next step will depend on NMMC’s verification of the plots and the decision taken on the proposal.
Protester Pradeep Waghmare pauses hunger strike for 15 days, warning of renewed agitation if action is delayed.
The Pause
A hunger strike over encroachments in Vashi has been temporarily suspended after the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) assured protester Pradeep Waghmare that action would be taken on the issue.
Waghmare had started his three-day hunger strike on August 31, demanding the removal of encroachments from marginal spaces in Vashi. He also sought action against civic officials whom he alleged had failed to properly address the problem.
On September 2, NMMC Assistant Commissioner Ramesh Rathod and other civic officials met Waghmare at the protest site and handed him a written assurance. The civic body said that action against encroachments in Vashi would continue on a regular basis.
Officials also reportedly informed Waghmare that the process of transferring Assistant Commissioner Sukhdev Yedve and encroachment officer Jambhale had been initiated. Following the assurance, Waghmare agreed to suspend his hunger strike for 15 days. However, he made it clear that the protest could resume if the promised transfers do not take place within the given period.
The agitation had received support from several political parties and social organisations, including NCP (Sharadchandra Pawar), Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi, Republican Sena and women’s groups. For now, the protest has been paused, but Waghmare’s warning puts the civic administration under pressure to act on its assurances.
Navi Mumbai Police Ask Ganesh Mandals to Skip DJs and Laser Lights
Vashi May Get Modern Mental Health Hospital Under New Proposal
Vashi Encroachment Protest Suspended After NMMC Assurance
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