Pune: In response to low enrollment numbers, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has proposed merging ten of its schools, which include five Marathi medium, two English medium, and three Urdu medium schools. The proposal, aimed at improving resource utilization and management, has been submitted for approval to the General Assembly.

The PMC's primary education department operates schools in morning and afternoon sessions within the same buildings. This system has led to decreased enrollment and management challenges, as maintaining the state-approved teacher-student ratio for grades 1 to 8 has become difficult. The shortage of teachers forces them to manage multiple classes, impacting students' education quality.

Some teachers from these low-enrollment schools are deemed surplus and cannot be appointed as headmasters. The merger would consolidate student numbers, allowing for the recognition of headmasters and better school management.

No schools will be closed, ensuring no inconvenience for students. Currently, early morning attendance is low, and the merger will facilitate the full-time use of school buildings and extend teaching hours.

The proposal also includes reassigning eight kindergarten teachers, eight kindergarten assistants, eight peons, and one watchman to other schools. Surplus headmasters, teachers, and non-teaching staff will be transferred and adjusted as needed.