Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday ordered a comprehensive structural audit of all government schools in the Capital after a surprise inspection at a school in Roop Nagar exposed serious shortcomings in basic facilities, sanitation and fire safety arrangements.
During her early morning visit to Government Sarvodaya Vidyalaya in Roop Nagar No. 4, the Chief Minister interacted directly with students and inspected classrooms, toilets, drinking water facilities and safety systems. Students complained about non-functional RO systems and water coolers, poor toilet conditions, irregular cleaning and shortage of teachers.
The inspection also revealed that the school’s fire safety system was not functioning, prompting the Chief Minister to pull up officials and direct immediate corrective action. She said negligence related to children’s safety would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Calling schools “temples of education”, Rekha Gupta said the government was committed to ensuring that students receiveD safe infrastructure and essential facilities in schools. She announced that a city-wide structural audit would now be carried out to assess the condition of school buildings and basic amenities, including drinking water, sanitation, hygiene and fire safety preparedness.
The Chief Minister said nearly 700 government schools in Delhi require new buildings or major redevelopment as many structures are 40 to 50 years old and have become severely dilapidated.
Taking a swipe at the previous government’s education model, Rekha Gupta said, “Had the previous government genuinely strengthened the education system, students would not be struggling for basic facilities today.”
She added, “What matters is ensuring real facilities, a safe environment and quality education for children.”
The Chief Minister said her government was focused on delivering real improvements in government schools instead of relying on publicity, adding that efforts were being made to strengthen infrastructure through better sanitation, clean drinking water, smart classrooms and digital facilities for students.
