Lok Sabha polls nearing, AAP turns spotlight on Delhi govt schools and its education push

Laying the foundation stone of four new school buildings, inaugurating a new School of Specialised Excellence, and unveiling an indoor swimming pool at a school all in just the first nine days of this month: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is once again turning the spotlight on the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) education-related work with the general election round the corner.

Referring to the change in Delhi government schools, the CM on Friday said they have gone from being in “bad shape” to “shaandaar (spectacular)” schools, which have elevators and labs. 

According to AAP sources, another such function is expected in the coming week. MLAs have been asked to get feedback from people in their areas based on which schools are being constructed in different constituencies, they added.

Around 25% of the budget this year is likely to be dedicated to education, they said.

On Thursday, Kejriwal laid the foundation stone for a new school building in Mahavir Enclave near Dwarka, in an event that saw hundreds of people in attendance. Friday too saw a similar crowd.

Earlier, on Sunday, Kejriwal laid the foundation stone for two new school buildings in the Pratap Vihar area of Kirari.

This was followed by the inauguration of a new School of Specialised Excellence at Paschim Vihar on Tuesday, and an indoor swimming pool at the Delhi Sports School on Wednesday.

At these events, both Kejriwal and Education Minister Atishi referred to “children leaving private schools to join government ones”.