In the academic year 2026-27, Malad is set to get three proposed civic-run state board schools. Land and buildings in Ganesh Tekdi, Pathan Wadi, and Kurar have been allocated to BMC’s education department, and proposals to start classes have been submitted.
The schools will begin with pre-primary to Std II and expand naturally with student growth. “The Ganesh Tekdi school building is a standalone structure near a SRA building, surrounded by a large slum area. We anticipate strong demand from parents — often, just putting up a board outside the building brings them in to enrol their children,” said a BMC official. The Ganesh Tekdi building has six floors and 24 classrooms, and a proposal to commence schooling from 2026-27 has been submitted this month.
Admissions for state board schools will follow a first-come, first-served policy. Around 40 to 50 parents have already expressed interest in the second school in Pathan Wadi, where 16 classrooms spread over two floors have been equipped with green boards, benches, and cupboards. The Kurar building, handed over on November 11, has four storeys and will follow the same admissions policy.
After the proposals are approved, the schools are set to start classes in June, with admissions scheduled to begin in March. “These new facilities are part of the amenities allocated for schooling. Since they do not have playgrounds, students will use nearby grounds and gardens. While the schools are initially planned as English-medium, the medium of instruction will be determined based on local demand. In fact, neighbourhood schools of other languages facing space constraints can also be accommodated in these buildings. These schools are a relief for many parents, especially daily wage workers who cannot travel far to drop their children,” said Education Officer Sujata Khare, speaking to mid-day.
