While the allocation for education has been steadily increasing, little is being done to improve the quality of education, say education activists and other stakeholders. For example, when the BMC unveiled an annual education budget of Rs 3,497.82 crore for the last financial year, though education funding had been increased by approximately Rs 150 crore compared to the previous year’s budget estimate, most initiatives and schemes remained unchanged from the previous year, with only minor modifications and upgrades for 2024-25.

Parents and educationists argue that instead of introducing new curricula and projects, the BMC should focus on strengthening existing schools by hiring better teachers, enhancing the quality of education, and addressing fundamental needs such as laboratories, sports equipment, and other essential infrastructure.