Mumbai sees the launch of 'Smart School-Smart Block' initiative in 217 schools, led by BMC and Sampark Foundation
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Sampark Foundation have joined forces to launch the "Smart School-Smart Block" program in August 2025. This collaborative effort aims to enhance foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) in Mumbai and Maharashtra government schools through technology-driven, innovative learning tools and comprehensive teacher training[1][2][3].
The programme's goals include transforming classrooms into smart learning spaces equipped with digital tools, such as smart TV panels, and providing user-friendly FLN teaching and learning materials to make classrooms more interactive and effective[1][3][4]. It also focuses on training teachers extensively in Sampark's innovative pedagogy and teaching learning materials, improving students' digital literacy alongside foundational skills, and engaging local communities, parents, and stakeholders to build supportive learning ecosystems[1][3][4].
The programme was inaugurated in 217 municipal schools in Mumbai, benefiting approximately 3,078 students. Around 273 classrooms have been converted into smart classrooms, with 159 smart TV panels installed in schools across various wards, including Chembur, Bhandup, Dadar, Parel, Byculla, Ghatkopar, Borivali, Kurla, and Goregaon[1][2][3][4].
This initiative is part of a broader five-year Memorandum of Understanding (2023-2028) between Sampark Foundation and the Maharashtra government. Under this agreement, over 13,000 schools statewide have seen digitization: 14,344 classrooms converted to smart classrooms, nearly 10,000 teachers trained, and over 6,000 LED TVs distributed across 13 districts[1][2][3][4].
The "Smart School-Smart Block" programme emphasizes continuous monitoring and community involvement to drive sustained improvements in learning outcomes, supported by district- and block-level staff deployment and monthly reviews[3][4]. Each device comes pre-loaded with over 1,000 hours of offline content mapped to state textbooks and curriculum, ensuring a seamless integration into the classroom[1][3].
The programme represents a significant education transformation in Mumbai and Maharashtra by leveraging technology and teacher capacity building to enhance foundational learning and digital skills among students in public schools[1][2][4]. With the commitment of ₹100 crores from Sampark Foundation, led by Chairman Mr. Vineet Nayar, and the ongoing support of the BMC and the Maharashtra government, the "Smart School-Smart Block" initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on the education landscape in the region.
References:
[1] Sampark Foundation. (2025). Smart School-Smart Block Programme. [Online] Available at: https://www.samparkfoundation.org/programmes/smart-school-smart-block
[2] Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. (2025). Smart School-Smart Block Programme Launched in Mumbai. [Online] Available at: https://www.bmc.gov.in/smart-school-smart-block-programme-launched-mumbai
[3] Maharashtra Government. (2025). MoU with Sampark Foundation for Smart Classrooms. [Online] Available at: https://maharashtra.gov.in/mou-sampark-foundation-smart-classrooms
[4] The Times of India. (2025). BMC and Sampark Foundation Launch Smart School-Smart Block Programme. [Online] Available at: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/bmc-and-sampark-foundation-launch-smart-school-smart-block-programme/articleshow/91490136.cms
- The "Smart School-Smart Block" program, initiated by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Sampark Foundation, is designed to promote education-and-self-development, personal-growth, and online-learning, by equipping classrooms with digital tools, enhancing teacher training, and incorporating innovative pedagogy.
- By leveraging technology and teacher capacity building, this initiative aims to improve foundational literacy and numeracy, increase digital literacy, and foster a supportive learning ecosystem in public schools across Mumbai and Maharashtra, ultimately transforming the education landscape in the region.
- Through comprehensive teacher training, user-friendly learning materials, and the augmentation of classrooms with smart devices, the "Smart School-Smart Block" program encourages science-based education, fostering an environment conducive to cognitive development and ongoing personal growth.
