Pune: To ensure complete educational benefits for students and to distribute school materials using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) method, the 'e-RUPI' system has been adopted.

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh announced that within the next 10 days, all students in municipal schools will receive their school materials.

The distribution, which happens annually, is now being streamlined with the e-RUPI method for the academic year 2024-25. The initiative was inaugurated at Smt. Leelabai Kantilal Khivansara Primary School in Mohannagar by Commissioner Shekhar Singh, who also distributed materials symbolically to students.

Ensuring Transparency with e-RUPI

Previously, complaints about the quality of school materials were common. To address this, funds were transferred directly to parents' accounts.

However, issues were still found. The municipality has now adopted the e-RUPI system to improve material quality, ensure full educational benefits, and enhance transparency.

Commissioner Singh assured that the quality of all materials has been checked and distribution will be completed within 10 days.

Components of School Materials

The materials include bags, shoes, socks, PT shoes, compass boxes, rulers, notebooks, study guides, practical books, drawing books, map books, raincoats, and steel water bottles.

e-RUPI System Steps

• Parents register their mobile number at the student's school.

• The bank sends a QR code link to the registered number.

• Parents present the QR code to the supplier.

• The supplier scans the QR code and sends an OTP to the parent’s mobile number.

• After presenting the OTP, the student receives the materials.

Municipal Schools and Students

• Schools: 140

• Students: 48,000

• Cost per Student

• Grades 1 to 4: ₹3,700

• Grades 5 to 10: ₹3,900

PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh stated, "With accurate student information collected, flaws in the previous system have been resolved, ensuring complete benefits for students. Any remaining issues will be addressed, and all materials will be distributed at the beginning of the next academic year."