Activists and furious parents in Govandi say this is clear exploitation of their wards in the name of civic lessons; the footage, dated April 16, shows young children using brooms to clean the school premises, prompting allegations of child exploitation and misuse of school hours
Screengrab of the viral video showing the student sweeping the classroom (left) screengrab of the viral video showing the student carrying the dustbin
A viral video showing students sweeping floors at the Shivaji Nagar Municipal School in Govandi has sparked outrage among parents and local residents. The footage, dated April 16, shows young children using brooms to clean the school premises, prompting allegations of child exploitation and misuse of school hours.
While some in the community support light cleanliness drives, like picking up litter to instil civic responsibility, parents argue that making children sweep floors is unacceptable. “There’s a difference between teaching cleanliness and making kids do janitorial work,” said a concerned parent. “This is not what we send our children to school for.”
Several residents and activists have written to the BMC commissioner and the assistant municipal commissioner of M East ward, calling the act “demeaning” and “against the dignity of students.” Local resident and parent Irashad Qureshi, whose child studies in the same school, in a letter to the BMC commissioner, stated: “On February 2, 2025, I visited Shivaji Nagar Urdu School No. 1 and saw a young girl being made to clean the classroom. I was assured by the headmistress that it wouldn’t happen again. However, on April 16, I once again saw a girl sweeping the classroom and another carrying garbage to the school gate.”
Shivaji Nagar Municipal School in Govandi
When confronted, the headmistress reportedly said the school had no cleaning staff. Qureshi has held the headmistress and school supervisor accountable for negligence and demanded their suspension. Faiyaz Alam Shaikh, president of the Govandi New Sangam Welfare Society, said Qureshi will be approaching the National Human Rights Commission with support from child welfare organisations. “There’s a difference between involving students in basic cleanliness activities and what’s happening at the school. This clearly crosses the line,” he said. The issue has gained traction online, with locals urging immediate action. In response, BMC education officials defended the activity, calling it part of a symbolic drive to teach hygiene and civic sense.
Ismail Ibrahim, head teacher and building in-charge of Shivaji Nagar Urdu School No. 1, said, “We do ask students to pick up litter and bits of paper from their classrooms— that is a regular practice in all schools. On the day the video was recorded, the students had just completed their craft exam, and there were pieces of paper scattered across the classrooms. Some students were asked to help clean up the mess they had created. A few used brooms, as they were unable to pick up the paper bits by hand. It was during this time that the video was taken. This is not a regular practice. We do not make students sweep classrooms with brooms. To clarify the situation, I have decided to prepare a short note explaining the incident, which all teachers will share with parents via the class groups. This entire episode seems like an attempt to malign the school and its staff.”
“I have seen the video. Parents need to understand that these are occasional activities to inculcate cleanliness values,” said Rajesh Kankal, education officer, BMC Education Department. We have dedicated staff for cleaning. The activity was not meant to burden or demean students.” Vijay Jadhav, administrative officer (AO), Schools (BMC – M East Ward), told mid-day that the education department will seek clarification from the school’s staff and headmistress on Monday regarding the incident.
“From what we’ve been informed so far, the students were asked to clean up after themselves following their craft exams. However, the written complaint submitted by a parent alleges that the headmistress cited the absence of cleaning staff as the reason for making students sweep the premises. In light of this, we will be asking the school’s teachers and headmistress for a detailed explanation on Monday and will address the concerns raised by parents and locals,” Jadhav said.
Why weren’t parents told?
When we were in school, we were asked to pick up bits of paper or litter from the classroom floor before dispersal. It was meant to instil a sense of responsibility—to teach us that classrooms are sacred spaces, and cleanliness isn't just the job of the staff. But making children sweep floors with brooms? I’m not sure how appropriate that is,” said Kanchana Balakrishna, a parent of a Std V student at a school in Chembur. She questioned the lack of communication from the school: “If this was intended as part of a cleanliness awareness campaign, why weren’t parents informed? From the complaints coming in, it seems clear we had no idea such an activity was taking place.”
Prasad Gokhale, a parent and convenor of the awareness group, Marathi Shala Aapan Tikavlya Pahijet (We Must Save Marathi Schools), echoed the sentiment. “If students are asked to clean classrooms with brooms once or twice a year as part of a civic responsibility drive, that’s understandable. But involving children in regular or daily cleaning without the knowledge or consent of parents? That’s not acceptable,” he said. “Some kids may have allergies or health conditions—parents need to be informed. If this is a recurring practice done under the radar, school authorities must be held accountable.”
Practice common in Japan
Around the world, student-led classroom cleaning is common in several education systems, aimed at promoting discipline, responsibility, and community values. One of the most well-known examples is Japan, where students routinely clean their classrooms, hallways, and even toilets as part of their daily schedule. This tradition, known as “Osoji”, especially around the New Year, is rooted in the belief that a clean environment cultivates a clear and focused mind. Rather than viewing it as a chore, it is seen as a character-building exercise that encourages gratitude, discipline, and respect for shared spaces. As the debate continues, the question remains: Is this a valuable life lesson—or an overstep in the name of discipline?
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