In a major landmark decision, the Delhi government on Tuesday approved more than Rs 900 crore for smart classrooms and implantation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in the government schools.
The decision was taken during the 10th cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Addressing the media, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood unveiled a comprehensive digital classroom expansion plan, beginning with the installation of 2,446 smart blackboards across 75 CM Shri Schools, with tenders already in advanced stages.
Proposals to create 18,966 additional smart classrooms for Classes 9 to 12 over five phases also got the green light, thus aiming to take the total number of smart classrooms to 21,412 by 2029-30.
The funds earmarked to upgrade education infrastructure, with also seen launch of dedicated teacher training module for smart board integration and improved learning outcomes.
“You will be surprised to know that Delhi has a total of 37,778 classrooms in government schools, yet between 2014 and 2024, only 799 of these were equipped with smart blackboards and even those came through CSR donations, not government funding.
“The previous government called it an education revolution after setting up a few buildings in elite areas. We, on the other hand, are taking quality education to every corner of Delhi — to Najafgarh, Narela, Seemapuri, Mahavir Enclave, and Kirari,” said Sood.
He emphasized that these reforms align with NEP 2020’s push for experiential and personalized learning, and that the government is committed to turning Delhi’s public schools into centers of excellence, not just in infrastructure, but in pedagogy and learning outcomes.
Dismissing the criticism raised by the Opposition, the Education Minister the government didn’t slash the education budget, but prioritized it. “While others pose for photos in front of buildings, we’re investing where it matters: in classrooms and in teachers. This marks the first major step in our mission to make Delhi’s government schools better than private schools,” he added.