India, April 10 -- The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has drawn sharp criticism after approving a Rs.91 lakh proposal to procure furniture for its education department, with corporators questioning the civic body's priorities amid persistent gaps in basic school infrastructure.

The proposal includes 11 L-shaped tables worth Rs.6.43 lakh and 11 rotating chairs costing Rs.1.75 lakh for deputy education officers and the superintendent of schools. In addition, 150 tables ( Rs.35.62 lakh) and 179 chairs ( Rs.15.93 lakh) have been sanctioned for clerical staff.

Members of the standing committee flagged the expenditure as excessive and poorly timed, arguing that the focus appeared to be on administrative comfort rather than student welfare...