Delhi government education budget
Delhi Govt Pioneers Investment in Education, Allocating 25% of Budget: Atishi
The Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, stands as the only administration in India that dedicates a significant 25% of its total budget to education. This bold investment, as highlighted by Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Thursday, has not only set a new benchmark but also transformed the educational landscape of the capital since the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) took office.
At a recent press conference, Atishi underscored the remarkable achievements of the Kejriwal government in revolutionizing Delhi’s education system. She revealed that the government is currently in the process of constructing 14 new schools across various parts of the city, alongside the addition of 1,541 new classrooms to existing schools. These efforts are aimed at addressing the historical inadequacies and ensuring that students receive a quality education in well-equipped environments.
Atishi recounted the dire state of Delhi’s government schools before 2015. She described how classrooms were overcrowded, often with as many as 150 students packed into a single room. Essential facilities like electricity, blackboards, and basic infrastructure were either nonexistent or in disrepair. The lack of these necessities made it nearly impossible to deliver quality education to students.
However, the narrative began to change with the advent of the Kejriwal government. In just a decade, the administration has succeeded in constructing 22,711 new classrooms, almost matching the number of rooms built in Delhi’s government schools since 1947. These newly constructed rooms are not merely functional spaces; they are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including smart boards, modern laboratories, libraries, sports facilities, and high-quality desks. This transformation has catapulted Delhi’s government schools ahead of many private institutions in terms of infrastructure and learning environments.
The government’s commitment to education is reflected in its ongoing projects. New academic blocks and classrooms are being constructed in schools where such facilities are still lacking. The goal is to ensure that every region of Delhi benefits from these improvements, with new schools being built in areas like Rohini, Dwarka, Kirari, Jahangirpuri, and Aya Nagar.
Atishi also took the opportunity to address the challenges faced by the Kejriwal government, particularly the allegations and legal battles targeting Chief Minister Kejriwal and his former deputy, Manish Sisodia. Despite these hurdles, which she described as politically motivated, Atishi assured that the government remains steadfast in its mission to provide high-quality education to the children of Delhi.
“The BJP may have put Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia in jail, but they cannot stop our mission to improve education in Delhi. The work of providing excellent infrastructure in our government schools is ongoing and will continue,” Atishi stated.
She emphasized that the efforts to enhance the educational infrastructure are not just about building new schools and classrooms but are part of a larger vision to ensure that every student in Delhi receives the best possible education. This commitment to education is a cornerstone of the Kejriwal government’s agenda, and it continues to drive their policies and initiatives.
The Delhi government’s investment in education is a testament to its dedication to the future of its citizens. By allocating a quarter of its budget to this sector, the administration has set a powerful example for the rest of the country. The ongoing efforts to improve the quality of education in Delhi are not just about meeting current needs but about laying the foundation for a brighter, more prosperous future for all.