BBMP’s CBSE school to open next year, finally

Even after three years, the problem of starting a CBSE school jointly by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) and Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) still lingers. But now both have agreed to modify and make changes in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to kick-start the school by next academic year.

The BBMP and BVB entered into an MoU on 12 November 2007 to start a CBSE school on a 50:50 seat matrix. BBMP agreed to upgrade the school building at Srirampura at the cost of Rs3 crore.

On Wednesday, standing committee chairman BV Ganesh declared that the school will be opened next academic year and the classes will start on the ground floor, which is already complete. The school will conducted classes from kindergarten to class 3.

“The BBMP was earlier running both primary and high school in the building. However, as there was no security, the locals started using the school like a toilet. So the BBMP shifted the school to Malleswaram. Later through the collaborative idea of the BBMP and BVB, it was mutually agreed upon to upgrade the old school building,” an official said.

The construction of the school building started in 2007.  Even after three years, the building is still incomplete. Only the ground floor has been completed. The remaining four floors are still under construction. Sources said the delay was due to BBMP’s non-payment of invoice to the contractor.

During the discussion with the BVB officials on Wednesday, various issues like school curriculum, student transportation, uniform and other issues were discussed.

On students’ transportation, BBMP asked if they are providing bus facilities for students coming from far away localities. The BVB officials answered in the negative.

“We are selecting students from Srirampura and neighbouring areas and are providing school bus for them. BBMP has to pay for their students using the school bus. If BBMP selects students from far away locales, we will not be responsible for providing school bus facility,” the official said.

About providing school uniforms to students, BVB clearly stated that BBMP should bear the charges for providing uniforms to 50% of students. The school fees should be borne either by BBMP or the parents.

However, the mid day meal provided by ISKCON should be provided to all students.

Ganesh said they entered into a MoU during the administrative period. There are so many things that need to be changed.

“Providing better education to poor students is a social commitment. By January 31, all issues between the BBMP and BVB should be hopefully sorted out and the classes will start from next academic year,” he said.

But sources said the BBMP is still contemplating on what criteria the students should be selected. Also, there is the issue of pressure from politicians who will use their influence to admit the children of their friends and relatives in the school, free of cost. This will not serve the purpose imparting education to poor children.

BVB executive director Mathoor Krishnamurthi said that BVB will provide quality education to students and there will be no discrimination.