India, July 21 -- Although more than a month has passed since the academic year commenced at schools run by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), a majority of the 310,000 students enrolled in civic schools are yet to receive free school supplies including notebooks, stationary and uniforms, directly affecting their learning.

"Students from poor backgrounds who cannot afford to buy notebooks are suffering as they are unable to write class notes, complete homework or practice at home," said Amarkant Sonavane, whose child is enrolled in a BMC school in Vikhroli. "How are students expected to continue their studies without basic learning materials?"

The BMC runs 918 schools across the city, and the 310,000 students enrolled in thes...