Pimpri: In a major milestone, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) has successfully distributed school essential kits including raincoats, shoes, and stationery to nearly 49,000 students through its Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiative. The Education Department, in collaboration with the Bank of Baroda, adopted the digital e-Rupi payment system to ensure transparency and accountability throughout the process.

The first phase saw the distribution of kits to approximately 39,000 students, while the remaining 10,000 students received their kits during the second phase. The second phase included students who were enrolled late in their respective schools.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, "This year’s successful implementation of DBT has enabled us to provide high-quality essentials to our students. Digital payment systems like e-Rupi ensured that funds were used efficiently, directly benefiting the children. With the experience gained from this year’s initiative, we are confident of an even quicker and more efficient process in the future, ensuring that every student continues to benefit from such initiatives."

Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil said, "By utilizing e-Rupi, we have optimised fund usage and simplified the entire process for parents and students. The challenges from this year, including vendor empanelment and verification of quality products, have provided valuable learnings that will ensure faster and more efficient DBT implementation in the coming years."

Despite challenges, such as incorrect mobile numbers and delays due to school holidays, the Education Department remained proactive. 

Assistant Commissioner Vijay Thorat emphasized the learnings from this year’s distribution, stating, "The hurdles we faced have provided invaluable insights, which will allow us to streamline the process and ensure faster execution next academic year. Parents or students who have any quality issues with the received essential items will be able to report and replace the material from the respective school."

As schools reopen after the festive season, students will continue receiving size-specific shoes, which have already been delivered to schools by the vendors.

Key Highlights of PCMC's DBT Initiative for School Essential Kits:

49,000 Students Benefitted: PCMC successfully distributed school essential kits, including raincoats, shoes, and stationery, to 49,000 students.

Phased Distribution:

Phase 1: 39,000 students received kits.

Phase 2: 10,000 students received kits, including late enrollments.

Digital Payment via e-Rupi:

Ensured transparency and accountability.

Streamlined the process for students and parents.

Challenges Overcome:

Incorrect mobile numbers of beneficiaries.

Delays due to school holidays.

Vendor empanelment and quality verification.

Quality Control:

Students or parents can report and replace any defective items through their respective schools.

Size-Specific Shoes: Already delivered to schools.