BMC to start 84 English medium schools

Mumbai, Apr 27 (UNI) The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) proposes to start 84 English medium schools from the next academic year, 2007-08.

Addressing reporters here today, additional municipal commissioner Kishor Gajbhiye said the BMC proposes to develop ''schools of excellence''.

The civic body, he said, has made provisions for Rs 1253 crore in current year's budget for the purpose.

The BMC also proposes to provide free uniform, text books and note books, shoes, lunch boxes and water bottles to 3.8 lakh school children. An amount of Rs 1.7 crore has been provided for this purpose in the budget.

These efforts by the civic body are aimed at reducing the drop-out rate, which is around five to six per cent at present.

Meanwhile, Mr Gajbhiye informed that a computerised registration counter has been opened for the benefit of patients at the civic K E M Hospital. He said the BMC has made a budgetary provision of Rs 921 crore during the current year for improving infrastructure in civic hospitals, as against the provision of Rs 801 crore last year.

UNI