Archive · 8 Sep 2026
BMC School Supply Delay Fuels BJP-Opposition GeM Procurement Clash
The BMC buys school supplies for children in civic schools.
This year, it used a government online shopping system called GeM.
Opposition members said the supplies were late and that some items had quality problems.
They mentioned missing umbrellas, leaking bottles, and shoes that did not fit.
BJP members and civic officials defended the new system.
They said most supplies had already been given out and that GeM saved money.
Officials said umbrellas were still the main item waiting to be distributed.
They promised to replace faulty or badly fitting items.
Contractors that delay deliveries may have to pay penalties.
The goal is to finish distribution before schools reopen on June 1.
Opposition corporators accused the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) of delays and irregularities in procuring 27 school items through the Government e Marketplace (GeM).
BMC officials said most supplies had been distributed, with umbrellas the main item still pending.
Congress leader Ashraf Azmi alleged that some students lacked umbrellas and correctly sized shoes, while some water bottles leaked.
BJP representatives defended GeM, saying the system saved the BMC Rs. 45 crore and improved on the earlier contract process.
The administration said procurement would begin in January, with distribution targeted before schools reopen on June 1, and delayed contractors could face penalties.
- Who
- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, BJP representatives, opposition corporators, and civic education officials were involved.
- What
- A dispute arose over delays, quality concerns, and the procurement of 27 school-supply items through the Government e Marketplace.
- When
- The clash occurred at Monday’s BMC General Body meeting; officials said procurement would begin in January for distribution before June 1.
- Where
- At the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation General Body meeting in Mumbai.
- Why
- Opposition members alleged delays and irregularities, while the BJP and administration defended GeM procurement and cited cost savings.
Opposition concerns
BJP and administration response
Delays and accountability
Opposition concerns
Kishori Pednekar alleged serious delays and irregularities and called for senior Education Department officials to be suspended, along with a third-party audit.
BJP and administration response
Civic officials said the procurement process was complete, distribution was nearly finished, and contractors responsible for delays could be penalized.
Quality and availability
Opposition concerns
Ashraf Azmi said umbrellas and properly sized shoes were unavailable and that some water bottles were leaking. The opposition sought samples to examine the claims.
BJP and administration response
Additional Municipal Commissioner Vipin Sharma said shoes and leaking bottles would be replaced, while Standing Committee Chairman Prabhakar Shinde said samples should establish whether the allegations were factual.
GeM procurement system
Opposition concerns
Opposition members questioned the new GeM process and its implementation.
BJP and administration response
Swapna Mhatre said GeM saved the BMC Rs. 45 crore, while Rajeshree Shirwadkar argued that the previous contract system had been plagued by irregularities and that problems in the new system could be corrected.
- Items involved
- 27 essential educational items for civic school students
- Main pending item
- Umbrellas
- Procurement platform
- Government e Marketplace (GeM)
- Reported savings
- Rs. 45 crore, according to BJP corporator Swapna Mhatre
- School reopening target
- June 1
- Contractor penalty
- 0.5% per week for delayed distribution
- Distribution status
- The administration said 100% of raincoats had been distributed and most other supplies were nearly complete