Ulhasnagar: The Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) has received approval from the state education department to introduce English-medium education in its municipal schools, with plans to gradually extend the facility up to Class X. The initiative aims to provide affordable quality education to students from economically weaker families who cannot afford the fees charged by private English-medium schools.Shiv Sena leaders announced the development at a news conference in Ulhasnagar in the presence of Mayor Ashwini Nikam, former MLA Pappu Kalani, Shiv Sena group leader Arun Aashan and education committee chairperson Sakshi Surve.Aashan said the education department had approved the introduction of English-medium classes from Class I to IV in municipal schools. The proposal was pursued by mayor Nikam and Shiv Sena corporator Durga Rai.In the first phase, seven municipal schools — numbers 8, 11, 13, 14, 22, 24 and 27 — have been shortlisted for the initiative. The civic body also plans to introduce secondary education in English medium, initially extending classes up to Class VII and gradually taking them up to Class X.Nikam met state education minister Dada Bhuse and education director A Gosavi to seek approval for the initiative and followed up on the proposal.The move follows a proposal tabled by corporator Durga Rai at a general body meeting on April 22 this year, seeking the introduction of secondary education in English medium in civic schools.The initiative is expected to benefit children from slum settlements and economically weaker families, giving them access to English-medium education without the financial burden of private schools.However, the civic administration will need to ensure the appointment of qualified English teachers and provide adequate classroom infrastructure to implement the programme effectively. The phased expansion is expected to create more educational opportunities for students who otherwise have limited access to English-medium schooling.
