Saturday, May 24, 2014

TMC's old plan to rent out its schools to NGOs on the backburner



Following article was published in Times Of India dt. 24th May, 2014.

TMC's old plan to rent out its schools to NGOs on the backburner


THANE: With an aim to increase revenue and use the same for repairing dilapidated school buildings, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) had planned to rent out its school premises to senior citizens' clubs and associations on Sundays and holidays. However, with non government organizations (NGOs) opposing the move over no criteria being fixed on the basis of which they will be selected to occupy the premises, a senior official said that no such plans are on the agenda as of now.

The plan that was debated two years ago has been kept on the backburner for now.

According to the plan, NGOs have to pay Rs 100 to Rs 1,000 as rent for using classrooms, auditoriums and playgrounds for holding social, cultural, educational and religious events.

Ashok Joshi, a social activist said, "It's a good decision provided it is implemented properly. It should not happen that a playground is rented in the name of a senior citizen and instead used for commercial purposes."

Satyajit Shah, another activist said it is imperative that the TMC spread awareness of this programme so citizens can take advantage of this facility.

"The scheme will be misused if senior citizens do not know about it. I would further insist that the TMC cut down on the rent fee,'' said Shah.

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