PCMC to distribute school essential kits from Day 1 of academic year through upgraded e-Rupi system
PCMC to distribute school essential kits from Day 1 of academic year through upgraded e-Rupi system
Pimpri: In a proactive move to ensure that students of PCMC Municipal School starts the academic year fully equipped, the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) Education Department will begin distribution of branded school essential kits from June 15, the very first day of school reopening. The department aims to wrap up the majority of the distribution in the initial days itself, ensuring minimal disruption to students’ learning experience.
The initiative is part of PCMC’s upgraded Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) model, which uses the digital platform e-Rupi to provide students with essential learning materials through secure, cashless transactions. This year, the Education Department has incorporated several improvements based on feedback from parents and schools, including the addition of new items and smoother technology integration.
In a notable expansion, Balwadi students will now also receive school kits, extending the benefits of the DBT programme to the city’s youngest learners. New items such as a tiffin box and colours have been added to the existing list of 12 essential items, all of which are from trusted and reputed brands to ensure quality and durability.
PCMC Commissioner Shekhar Singh said, “Starting the distribution from Day 1 reflects our commitment to ensuring no child is left behind. By strengthening the DBT mechanism and adding useful items to the kit, we are directly supporting families and empowering students to focus on their learning.”
Last year, 51,203 students benefited from the scheme, with branded school essentials worth Rs 19.49 crore distributed under the e-Rupi model. This year, the initiative will benefit students from Balwadi to Class 10.
The second round of distribution will begin from July 10 to benefit new admissions, late joiners, Class 1 and Balwadi students whose records become available as the academic year progresses. This phased rollout ensures comprehensive coverage across all PCMC schools.
Additional Commissioner Pradip Jambhale Patil added, “The e-Rupi-based DBT model has allowed us to deliver benefits quickly, transparently, and without any leakages. With the new upgrades this year, we are making the process even more responsive to the needs of students and parents, while maintaining accountability at every stage.”
Assistant Commissioner and Head of the Education Department Vijay Kumar Thorat said, “We’ve made key technical upgrades this year to make the DBT process even more seamless for parents and vendors. Ten empanelled vendors have been approved through rigorous quality checks, and each transaction is secure, fast, and traceable through OTP verification.”
PCMC’s School Kit Distribution 2025–26
- Distribution starts: June 15 (Day 1 of school reopening)
- Coverage: Balwadi to Class 10 students
- Mode: e-Rupi digital vouchers (no cash, no bank account needed)
- New items added: Tiffin box, Colours
- 2nd round starts: July 10 (for new admissions & late joiners)
- Last year’s beneficiaries: 51,203 students
- Quality assurance: All items from trusted and reputed brands.
- Transaction security: OTP-based verification at schools
About the DBT-eRupi Process:
- Beneficiaries receive a pre-paid QR code voucher via SMS
- Vouchers are redeemable only for specified school materials
- No bank account required, only a valid 10 digit contact number
- Transactions are verified via OTP for added security
