Society Federation Opposes Privatization of School Reservation in Punawale

Demand for PCMC to build the school on the lines of the ‘Wakad Model’ to benefit local citizens.

Pimpri-Chinchwad | Local citizens, cooperative housing societies, and social organizations have taken an aggressive stand against the proposal to lease approximately 0.91 hectares (around 2 acres 29 gunthe) of land, reserved for a secondary school in Punawale, to a private institution on a long-term lease of 30 years. In this context, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Society Federation has submitted a detailed memorandum to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), the Municipal Commissioner, the Mayor, and the Divisional Commissioner’s office.

The memorandum clarifies that the land located in Survey No. 38 (part) and 44 (part) in Punawale is explicitly reserved for a ‘Secondary School’ in the Development Plan (DP) and is currently in the possession of the Municipal Corporation. The Federation objected, stating that leaning toward the privatization of such crucial public-utility land is against the interests of the citizens.

Giving away high-market-value land to a private entity for 30 years for a nominal consideration of approximately ₹7 crores is economically flawed and detrimental to public property. It was expressed that such a decision could impact the Municipal Corporation’s revenue and education policy in the future.

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Citizens and organizations have unanimously demanded that the Municipal Corporation reconsider this proposal, keeping in mind the future of students in the Punawale area, the protection of public assets, and the right to affordable education. There is also an expectation that further steps be taken only by maintaining transparency in the decision-making process.

The Issue of Affordable Education is Critical…

Considering the rapidly growing population, large housing societies, and urbanization in the Punawale area, there is an urgent need for affordable education at the government level. The warning has been issued that if a private institution builds the school, fees are likely to increase significantly, potentially jeopardizing the education of students from ordinary families.

Reference to the ‘Wakad Model’

Citing the state-of-the-art CBSE school built by the Municipal Corporation in Wakad as a successful and ideal model, the Federation has firmly demanded that PCMC build a modern, high-quality, and affordable school in Punawale using its own funds. Citizens complained that no discussion was held with local residents, housing society representatives, or public representatives regarding this entire proposal. Dissatisfaction was expressed over the fact that a public hearing and community participation—necessary for a decision involving such a large public reservation—were not conducted.

The Federation’s Four Key Demands:

1. Immediately cancel the proposal to hand over the reserved school land in Punawale to a private institution.
2. The Municipal Corporation should construct a modern secondary or CBSE school using its own funds.
3. Make the entire tender process, financial valuation, and decision-making information public for transparency.
4. Conduct an immediate Public Hearing for citizens, parents, and local organizations.

“This land reserved for a secondary school in Punawale is public property and is reserved specifically for the future of the citizens. Privatizing such an important space and leasing it long-term for a meager amount is completely wrong and unjust. Given the rapidly growing population in the area, it is essential that the Municipal Corporation builds its own modern and affordable CBSE school here. Our firm demand is that the same standard set in Wakad should be replicated in Punawale.”
— Sachin Londhe, Pimpri-Chinchwad Society Federation.

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