Mumbai : Pimpri-Chinchwad, August 14, 2025: The Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) is facing a severe shortage of staff in its primary schools, with 50 out of 105 schools operating without a full-time principal. In the absence of appointed heads, senior teachers have been forced to take on additional administrative duties, affecting both management and teaching quality.
The crisis is compounded by 175 vacant teacher posts, leaving classrooms understaffed and placing added pressure on existing educators. Parents and education activists fear that this shortage will have a long-term impact on students, especially those from economically weaker sections.
On August 1, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) held a symbolic protest at Punyashlok Ahilyadevi Holkar Primary School in Sangvi. Activists placed a garland on an empty principal’s chair to highlight the administration’s failure, questioning, “Who will listen to parents’ complaints? Who will guide students? Who will support teachers?”
However, PCMC Education Department official Sangeeta Bangar disputed the reported figures, claiming only 5–6 schools are without principals and assuring that recruitment and interim arrangements are already in progress.
The issue has sparked public outrage, with calls for the municipal body to expedite appointments and ensure that schools have the leadership and teaching staff needed to maintain education standards.
