Minister speak

What is the state of infrastructure in government schools?
Even after 93 students died in fire earlier in Tamil Nadu,many schools still don’t have fire safety measures,or two emergency exits.

We launched the Roopantar project to upgrade the infrastructure in government schools. Of the 650 schools,we identified 300. Most are in East,North East,the Walled City,Narela and Outer Delhi. The project was delayed because of tender issues and the model code of conduct during elections. By 2010,all schools will be covered. In the first phase,we are upgrading 198 schools. After the Tamil Nadu incident,we added fire safety measures and widening of staircases to the Roopantar project. I understand there are problems but in case of today’s stampede,the staircase was wide and catered to norms. Problems are there but we are doing our best. Delhi is also the first state to implement such a massive project.

What about congestion in government schools?
Under the Roopantar project,we are trying to ease overcrowding and build new classrooms. In today’s case,I think it was because of the rain. But there is an inquiry and I cannot say until the report is out. But congestion was not the reason today.

What about aided schools? What is the government doing?
As of now,nothing. But I am working on a proposal to allocate the aided schools funds for upgrading their infrastructure as well. I will present it in the next Assembly session.