The City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) has directed all the schools to whom plots have been allotted for playground must be kept open after the school hours for public use. The planning agency warned of strict action if schools are found not following agreement on which they were allotted the plot.
The planning agency has observed that many schools in Navi Mumbai do are not open playgrounds after school hours and on weekends and public holidays.
“As per the agreement made by CIDCO with the schools, it is mandatory for the schools to open the school grounds to the general public after school hours and on the weekend and public holidays. Strict action will be taken by CIDCO against the schools if they violate this condition,” stated a press note issued by CIDCO.
“We appeal as well as direct them to allow the use of school grounds by the general public after school hours as well as on weekend and public holidays,” stated the press note.
Meanwhile, CIDCO has urged all citizens to inform if any school is not allowing playgrounds for public use after school hours. In the past also, a few schools had allowed the common public to use the playgrounds after school hours and on weekends. A school in Koparkhairane had even put up a board, disallowing the common public despite the land was allowed to schools at a subsidies rate. CIDCO allotted various schools in the city for playgrounds at a nominal rate. However, it also laid down conditions that playgrounds should be available for common children after school hours and on weekends.
