Enrolment Rises, But MCD Schools Cannot Keep Facilities Up To Speed
The Times of India|November 16, 2022
Poor Infrastructure, Security And Sanitation Are Among The Key Concerns
Shradha Chettri & Shinjini Ghosh
Enrolment Rises, But MCD Schools Cannot Keep Facilities Up To Speed

New Delhi: Till 2019-20, there was growing concern over the decreasing enrolment in primary schools run by Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). Cut to 2022-23, the enrolment has gone up by over 17%, with 8,75,000 children studying in classes nursery to V.

At the same time, the teacher-student ratio has risen, highlighting the need for recruitment and fixing the number of posts. The infrastructure in many schools leaves a lot to be desired -- three students share a desk, some are seated on rugs. Cleanliness remains an issue as only one sweeper is allotted. Many schools also need extensive renovation and CCTVs, computer facilities and, importantly, security guards.

While enrolment has risen, the number of schools has come down to 1,535 from 1,660 in 2018. Several experts called the process “merging and closure”. MCD officials termed it “optimum utilisation of resources”.

Vikas Tripathi, director of education, told TOI, “No schools have been closed or merged due to dip in enrolment. We are just ensuring resources are optimally utilised. There are instances where only one boundary existed between two schools, so that was broken and they were turned into one.”

At Nigam Utkrisht Vidyalaya in Jai Rani Bagh, the number of students has increased to 1,103 in the past few years. The school added 400 students in this session alone. There are two sets of buildings, with the second built-in 2004. In crowded classrooms, three students sit on desks and chairs while in a few, they sit on rugs.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE TIMES OF INDIAView all
Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?
The Times of India

Song and dance there, but where is Brazil's soul?

From swooning over the twirling foot of Richarlison the other day, to fretting over the ankle of Neymar, it is back to business for Brazil. Gone is the exultation to dance and express themselves.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134
The Times of India

Marriott to reach 200-hotel mark in India by 2025 from current 134

American hospitality major Marriott International — the group with the largest number of branded hotel rooms in India at about 26,000 — has drawn up very ambitious growth plans for the country.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field
The Times of India

India's visually-impaired players dribble, debate on and off field

Take 20-year-old Shivam Negi for instance. A member of the national blind football team, Negi along with three other NIEVPD students is ardently following the matches by listening to live commentary.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc
The Times of India

SIPS eating into luxe car sales: Merc

‘MF Investments Reducing Disposable Incomes Of Indians’

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Fury's Ground Xiro
The Times of India

Fury's Ground Xiro

Xi's zero-Covid policy has angered ordinary Chinese as never before. A dangerous moment for the state

time-read
3 mins  |
November 28, 2022
Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye
The Times of India

Trump faulted for dinner with white nationalist, rapper Ye

The sportswear manufacturer has also launched a probe into his conduct.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance
The Times of India

Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance

Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over Covid-19 restrictions.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told
The Times of India

Can't deny mediclaim to a vegetarian, insurer told

Dietary Habit Not Patient’s Fault: Consumer Body

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future
The Times of India

Thakur: Will host 'grand Olympics' in Gujarat in future

Union sports minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday said Gujarat will host a “grand Olympics” sporting event in the future.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022
Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal
The Times of India

Will restore old pension scheme in Guj: Kejriwal

He also urged government employees in the state to back AAP while promising implementation of the old pension scheme for them by January 31, 2022.

time-read
1 min  |
November 28, 2022