In her very first review meeting, Vasai MLA Sneha Dubey Pandit made it clear that she is not here to settle for mediocrity. The MLA left no stone unturned in holding Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) officials accountable for their inefficiencies, particularly regarding the lack of municipal schools. The meeting, held recently, witnessed a charged atmosphere as Dubey demanded urgent action to address the city’s educational shortcomings.
A Dire Need for Schools
Despite 14 years since the establishment of the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation, not a single municipal school has been opened under its administration. This glaring shortfall became a focal point of Dubey’s criticism. Highlighting education as a fundamental responsibility of the civic body, she expressed her frustration over the continued inaction in this regard.
The discussion revealed that the VVMC had been considering transferring ownership of 117 schools currently managed by the District Council. However, officials cited the financial burden—a projected cost of ₹100 crore—as a roadblock. This explanation did not sit well with Dubey, who questioned their priorities. “How can providing education, which is your primary duty, be considered a burden?” she retorted, emphasizing the need for a paradigm shift in the corporation’s approach.
Budget Priorities Under Scrutiny
Dubey’s directives were unequivocal: increase the VVMC’s budget allocation for education by ₹100 crore. She further suggested cutting down on unnecessary expenditure, such as hosting marathons and other events, which she termed as wasteful. “If need be, cancel these events, but ensure schools are opened,” she asserted, highlighting the need to prioritize the welfare of students over superficial activities.
Recognizing the logistical challenges of independently managing 117 schools, Dubey proposed an alternative solution. “Instead of taking over all the schools at once, focus on creating a few well-developed schools,” she suggested. This pragmatic approach, she believes, could help the VVMC balance its financial constraints while addressing the urgent need for educational facilities.
Teachers’ Salaries and Government Support
Another concern raised during the meeting was the issue of teachers’ salaries. Currently, the salaries of District Council school teachers are funded by the state government. Dubey urged the VVMC to actively pursue state-level interventions to ensure that this arrangement continues seamlessly even after the schools come under municipal jurisdiction. This, she argued, would help alleviate the financial burden on the VVMC while ensuring that teachers are fairly compensated.
Focus on Holistic Development
Beyond education, Dubey turned her attention to other pressing issues, including healthcare, tourism, and encroachments on reserved land. She directed the officials to submit a detailed plan within two weeks for the development of tourism and pilgrimage sites in the area. Stressing the importance of transparency, she ordered the installation of public information boards at construction sites to keep residents informed about ongoing projects.
Dubey also raised concerns about irregularities in water supply schemes and the encroachment of land designated for public use. Her pointed questions left many officials scrambling for answers, exposing gaps in the administration’s planning and execution. “It’s disheartening to see this level of inefficiency. The citizens of Vasai-Virar deserve better,” she remarked.
Monthly Review Meetings
In a move to ensure sustained accountability, Dubey announced her intention to hold monthly review meetings. These sessions will serve as checkpoints to assess the progress made on her directives. “This is not a one-time discussion. I will follow up to ensure that every instruction is implemented,” she said.
A Wake-Up Call for VVMC
Dubey’s maiden review meeting was a wake-up call for VVMC officials. Her no-nonsense approach and clear focus on actionable outcomes set a high bar for the administration. As she takes her first steps as an MLA, her commitment to addressing long-standing issues like education and healthcare signals a promising start for the people of Vasai.
While challenges remain, Dubey’s proactive stance has instilled hope among residents. If her directives translate into tangible outcomes, Vasai-Virar could finally see the development it has long awaited. For now, all eyes are on the VVMC to rise to the occasion and deliver on its promises.
