Civic body aims to get its schools ISO certification

The decision was taken to put charges that the municipal schools lack quality to rest. "In the first phase, one school from each of the 15 wards in the city would be selected for ISO certification. The motive behind this initiative is to set example for the remaining schools, as it will help them better their performance," Shivaji Daundkar, head of PMC education board, said.

But there are several criteria a school must fulfil to secure the ISO certification. "Up-to-date official documentation, computerisation and basic infrastructure, among others, are a few of the criteria the schools must fulfil. Only those schools that fit the bill would be selected," Daundkar said. "To get an idea, we recently visited an ISO-certified private school on Bhandarkar Road. So once our schools reopen after Diwali vacation, we'll initiate the selection process."

Deputy education head, Shubhangi Chavan, said the ISO certification would mean speedy implementation and accurate delivery of day-to-day work.
"This will change the traditional approach of teachers and principals. This will motivate them to maintain a high standard for their respective schools. There will also be healthy competition between the schools," she said.

Green education
In more good news for municipal schools, all 310 schools would get eco-clubs to promote environment- friendly activities. The PMC recently approved Rs 9 lakh for the project. "Every school will soon have an eco club, where students will be taught to lead an eco-friendly lifestyle. This includes activities such as making eco-friendly Ganpati, pollution-free Diwali, natural colours etc," Chavan said.

310
No of civic-run schools in city

1.07 L
No of children in municipal schoolsu00a0