MCD Approves ‘Nigam Shri Schools’, Allocates Rs 45 Crore for Infrastructure Upgrade

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has provisionally approved the launch of 'Nigam Shri Schools', an innovative programme that intends to turn municipal schools into elite institutions providing free of cost education to their brightest students from economically weaker backgrounds. The blueprint of this scheme has been prepared after PM Shri schools of the Centre and CM Shri schools of the Delhi government. The emphasis is laid on providing the best education along with facilities of the latest infrastructure.

The project was allowed in the meeting that was headed by the Education Committee Chairman Yogesh Verma. The education department's senior officials were present too. According to the staff, the programme aims at making municipal schools equal to the top schools by providing an environment that promotes both excellent performance in studies and all round development of the students.

Besides new schools, the civic administration has given green signal for Rs 45 crore which is allocated for repairing and maintaining the existing infrastructure of municipal schools. The money will be invested in fundamental works like the upkeep of washrooms, repair of deteriorated structures, and addition of amenities at a basic level so as to provide a good environment that is conducive to learning.

The committee took a look at things like the Mid-Day Meal scheme, which is a student welfare effort and instructed a totally severe action against the NGOs who were found negligent in not meeting the food quality standards. The officials went on to clarify that the financial aid for uniforms and stationery which was overdue has now been given directly to the students' accounts.

In the initial phase, 24 schools will be uplifted through the Nigam Shri Schools program and the first batch of these schools is expected to get operational at the start of the next academic year. They will also include smart classrooms, digital learning devices, libraries that are well-stocked, better sanitation facilities, safe drinking water, enhanced security, and upgraded sports amenities. The officials mentioned that this step will not only provide students with access to quality education but also enable the identification of student talents for fostering higher education opportunities.