The Children Welfare Centre (CWC), a prominent educational institution in Mumbai's western suburbs, is facing investigation over the alleged misuse of land plots leased to them by the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). Accusations include sub-leasing to a national school chain, charging excessive fees, unauthorized constructions, and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) violations. An MLA has filed a complaint, urging the cancellation of permissions granted to CWC. Preliminary inspections revealed unauthorized construction and other concerns on CWC properties. CWC's principal has refuted the allegations, insisting their educational expansions adhere to lease terms.
The Children Welfare Centre (CWC), a renowned educational institution in Mumbai's western suburbs, is currently under investigation for purported misuse of three land plots leased to them by the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC). The allegations stem from claims that CWC sub-leased parts of the land to a national school chain, breaching several terms of their lease agreement.
Bharati Lavekar, the BJP MLA from Versova, lodged a complaint with the civic body last week. She accused CWC of not only sub-leasing the land but also of charging exorbitant fees from students, contrary to the lease's stipulation of offering free education to a set number of students. Lavekar further alleged unauthorized constructions on the school premises, including commercial banquet halls, and violations related to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ).
Historically, CWC acquired two plots on Yari Road, Versova, and another in Valnai Village, Malad, in 1983, 2008, and 2002, respectively, for a nominal annual fee of Rs 1. Over the years, the institution expanded its educational offerings on these lands. While the CWC High School has been operational on one of the Versova plots since 1986, the organization later introduced a pre-school, junior college, and degree college on the same site. Additionally, two branches of 'Orchids The International School', a notable private school brand, were established on the other Versova plot and the Malad land, which also houses a CWC-run law college.
In her letter to BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, Lavekar urged the cancellation of permissions granted by various BMC departments to CWC. She recommended that the school be taken over by BMC to provide free education to children.
Following these allegations, BMC initiated an inspection of the three CWC properties. Preliminary findings by the inspection team revealed about 6,000 sqft of unauthorized construction. The team also discovered that a temporary shed, initially built during the main building's construction and meant to be dismantled later, still stands on land designated for a playground. Other concerns raised by the inspectors include illegal building alterations, potential fire hazards, and the absence of a full occupancy certificate.
Ajay Kaul, the school's principal, vehemently denied these allegations. He clarified that the two Orchids schools are under CWC's management, with K12 Techno Services only supplying educational software and equipment. In exchange, CWC pays the company a fee per student for using its services and brand name. Kaul emphasized that their educational expansions are in line with the lease's terms and that they've always operated transparently.
In conclusion, the allegations against CWC have stirred controversy in Mumbai's educational circles. As the investigation continues, the city awaits clarity on the matter, hoping for a just resolution that prioritizes students' best interests.
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