Mumbai’s Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) faces scrutiny for allocating Rs 196.49 crore to provide energy bars to students. This expenditure comes despite activists highlighting critical shortages of basic facilities like clean drinking water and functional toilets in municipal schools.

Energy Bar Scheme Extended

The BMC Education Department extended a scheme to offer energy bars as supplementary nutrition to students. The allocation of Rs 196,49,30,713 covers a 16-month period, expiring on March 31, 2027 . The original agreement ran from November 25, 2025, to November 24, 2026. An order for this purchase, totaling Rs 5,50,40,076 initially, was issued on December 13, 2025 .

Activists Flag Facility Deficiencies

Activists, led by Anand Bhandare from Marathi Abhyas Kendra, criticized the BMC’s priorities. They state numerous municipal schools lack essential student facilities. These include clean drinking water, proper infrastructure, and working toilets. Bhandare said, “Students are not provided with minimum facilities.”

Infrastructure Concerns

Bhandare cited specific examples of neglected infrastructure. Schools in Mori Road, Mahim, and Mankhurd village were demolished nearly four years ago. A school in Khindipada, Bhandup, was razed a few years prior. Reconstruction has not begun at these sites. Further issues include overcrowded classrooms, no drinking water facilities, and inadequate washrooms in some civic schools.

Questionable Timing and Official Response

Anand Bhandare also questioned the timing of the energy bar agreement procurement. He noted the order was issued two days before the election code of conduct took effect . Bhandare suggested the date might have been backdated to avoid election restrictions. During a meeting with a Marathi Study Centre delegation, BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani reportedly declined to discuss Marathi school issues, citing the election code of conduct. However, Gagrani proceeded with the Rs 196 crore deal.

BMC’s Supplementary Nutrition Scheme

The BMC states the energy bar program is part of its Purak Poshan Aahar (Supplementary Nutrition) scheme. This initiative aims to support the physical development of students from nursery to standard 10 in BMC schools. The current year’s budget allocates funds for this broader nutrition effort.

Budget Allocation for Nutrition

These funds are designated for providing supplementary nutrition in addition to existing mid-day meals. The scheme’s implementation, however, continues to draw criticism regarding the prioritization of student needs.