CM Rekha Gupta says a ‘Rashtraneeti’ programme will be launched to teach governance, democracy and policymaking.
| Photo Credit: FILE PHOTO

With the highest share allocated to the education sector in the Delhi budget, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday announced setting up an education sub-city in Narela, north-west Delhi, ‘CM Shri’ schools and smart classrooms, and free laptops to 1,200 meritorious Class X students.

Though a total of ₹19,291 crore was allocated to the sector, making up 19.29% of the budget, senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and Leader of the Opposition Atishi said it was a departure from the past as the sector received 22% to 25% of the total allocation in her party’s rule.

Ms. Gupta said 60 ‘CM Shri’ schools would be established in line with the National Education Policy. These schools will be similar to the Centre’s ‘PM Shri’ schools, which are aimed at quality education and holistic development with smart classes, vocational classes, and other modern facilities.

For the education sub-city in Narela, ₹500 crore has been allocated. Delhi Lieutenant-Governor V.K. Saxena had earlier directed the Delhi Development Authority to develop an education hub in Narela.

Ms. Gupta said 7,000 smart classrooms with facilities such as interactive panels and audiovisual aids would be set up for Classes 9 to 12 in a phased manner.

New programmes

She said a ‘Rashtraneeti’ programme will be launched for students from KG to Class XII, to provide practical knowledge of governance, democracy, active citizenship and policymaking. She added that the students would also be taught yoga and meditation under ‘Science of Living’.

Ms. Gupta said language laboratories will be set up in 100 government schools, which will use technology such as AI to teach multiple languages.

The CM attacked the previous AAP government, alleging that over 1.5 lakh students fail in Classes IX and XI every year. “Students, who would shape Delhi’s future, are left helpless today because of the corrupt policies of the previous government,” she alleged.

Education Minister Ashish Sood said, “AAP allocated a budget of ₹16,000 crore for education, out of which they spent only around ₹14,000 crore.”

Responding to the allegations, Ms. Atishi said, “For the first time in 10 years, the education sector has been allotted less than 20% of the total budget. This makes it clear that the BJP is not committed to the education of poor children in government schools.”