BMC to Launch Free Study Rooms for Slum Kids

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is set to launch an ambitious initiative to provide air-conditioned study rooms free of charge for underprivileged children from slum areas across Mumbai.

Building on the success of its earlier initiative to establish free libraries in public parks, the BMC aims to create a comfortable, conducive environment that supports the academic needs of students facing socio-economic challenges. The first of these Innovative study rooms will be established in South Mumbai, specifically in Ganesh Murti Nagar, Colaba. The facility will be housed in two shipping containers, each with a seating capacity for 15 students, and will be fully equipped with tables and chairs to accommodate a total of 30 children. Civic officials have opened tenders for this project, which is estimated to cost around ₹50 lakh.

“We are currently finalising the air-conditioning and additional amenities, with tenders already issued for these components. We aim to have the study room operational within the next month,” a BMC official revealed. Mumbai Guardian Minister, Deepak Kesarkar, emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating, “I have instructed civic officials to identify suitable slum areas where these containers can be set up for students in need. Financial constraints should not hinder their education. This initiative will offer them a comfortable environment to pursue their studies.” The project will be funded by the District Planning Development Committee (DPDC), demonstrating a collaborative effort to enhance educational opportunities for Mumbai’s underprivileged communities.

In addition to these study rooms, the BMC is also planning to establish its first ‘Signal School’ under the Santacruz Chembur Link Road (SCLR) flyover at Amar Mahal junction. This school, comprising 10 containers and costing over ₹2 crore, will be funded by the DPDC and is expected to accommodate between 60 and 100 students. A civic source confirmed that the ground-breaking ceremony for this project is imminent. These initiatives are part of the BMC’s broader strategy to bridge educational gaps and provide equitable learning opportunities.

The corporation has already made strides in this direction, having opened its first free library in May 2022 under Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, which has since expanded to 50 locations city-wide. By focusing on creating educational spaces in underprivileged areas, the BMC aims to address the fundamental challenges faced by students from slum areas, ensuring that they have access to the resources and environment needed to excel academically. The implementation of these projects reflects a commitment to social development and inclusive growth in Mumbai.