Education is a fundamental right of every child, but in India, the reality has been far from ideal. Underprivileged children have particularly suffered from poor infrastructure, inadequate facilities, and a lack of resources. However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Delhi has made significant strides in improving education by upgrading school infrastructure and providing quality education to every child.
The Shaheed Hemu Kalani school in Lajpat Nagar is a prime example of the AAP government’s successful transformation of government schools in Delhi. Since its establishment in 1948, the school has undergone significant upgrades, including new classrooms, laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities. The school now boasts a well-equipped computer lab and has installed 210 CCTV cameras to enhance student safety.
Apart from infrastructure upgrades, the AAP government has also taken a unique approach to ensure no child is left behind. A teacher at the school recommended striking off the names of six students who frequently missed school. However, the principal decided to abide by the AAP government’s motto of “no child left behind.” Upon calling the parents, the principal discovered that they were refugees from Rajasthan who made traditional soft toys to sell and feed themselves. The principal offered the parents space for an art workshop after school hours, provided the children attended school regularly. The parents agreed, and soon other students began joining the workshop after seeing the beautiful artwork. The number of toys being made increased, and revenue increased. The principal called the parents, who were master craftsmen, and asked them to mentor young kids on their art once a week in a Master Class. The children improved their work, and an NGO named ‘Mujhe Udaan Do’ adopted the project and took over sales and marketing, with money being invested back into the school’s welfare.
The AAP government’s approach has demonstrated that thinking outside the box can enable one to think like an entrepreneur. Combined with political will, it has brought significant changes to the education sector. As a result, government schools in Delhi have seen an increase in enrollment and a decrease in the dropout rate.
The AAP government’s initiatives have had a significant impact on education in Delhi. The improvements in infrastructure, the innovative approaches to ensure no child is left behind, and the encouragement of entrepreneurship have positively affected countless children’s lives. With continued efforts and political will, the AAP government’s vision of providing quality education to every child can become a reality in India.
