Mumbai Dabbawalas vs Convent Schools: Tensions Rise Over Entry Denial

Mumbai, 5th June 2023: Several convent schools in South Mumbai have recently prohibited dabbawalas from entering their premises, citing security concerns. In response, the Mumbai Dabbawala Association has reached out to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and School Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar, urging them to intervene and request the withdrawal of this decision by the school administrations.

The ban on dabbawalas, who deliver home-cooked foods to students, has raised concerns among the Mumbai Dabbawala Association. They assert that the security reasons cited by the school administrations are baseless and allege collusion between the school administration and the canteen operators.

Subhash Talekar, the president of the association, contends that the decision was made solely to boost the canteen’s business.

With schools set to reopen in the second week of June, hundreds of dabbawalas who rely on delivering school bags face a loss or reduction in employment opportunities due to this decision. Recognizing the importance of students having access to their home-cooked meals, the Mumbai Dabbawala Association has requested the Chief Minister and School Education Minister to intervene and ensure the withdrawal of the ban imposed by the school administrations. They emphasize that students who wish to bring their own meals should be allowed to do so by utilizing the services of a designated food carrier.

The Mumbai Dabbawala Association plays a crucial role in ensuring the timely delivery of tiffins and has been a reliable support system for students and their families for years. The association hopes that the Chief Minister and the School Education Minister will take prompt action to resolve the issue and reinstate the dabbawalas’ access to the schools, thereby safeguarding their livelihoods and facilitating a smooth school routine for the students