Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta declared on Saturday, September 5, 2026, that fundamental deficiencies in schools, including poor sanitation and inadequate water facilities, must be addressed first to transform the city's education system. She made these comments at the Shikshak Mahakumbh Award event held at Thyagraj Stadium on Teachers' Day.
During the ceremony, the Delhi government honored approximately 116 teachers and principals with state awards, recognizing their significant contributions to the education sector. The event saw the presence of several key officials, including Education Minister Ashish Sood, Delhi BJP president Harsh Malhotra, and MP Basuri Swaraj.
Focus on Essential Infrastructure
Chief Minister Gupta emphasized her administration's commitment to elevating Delhi's education system. However, she highlighted that achieving this goal requires first tackling long-standing infrastructural gaps. "We want to take education to great heights and make a lot of progress, but the previous governments did not do anything in 12 years. So, after coming to power, we have had to start working from a very low level," Gupta stated, according to PTI.
The Chief Minister detailed that the government is actively focusing on improving basic school facilities through extensive repairs and maintenance. This initiative includes renovating toilets, ensuring reliable water supply, whitewashing buildings, and undertaking other essential repair works.
Impact of Poor Facilities on Students
Gupta specifically pointed out the dire condition of school toilets, noting that such infrastructure deficiencies directly impact students, particularly girls. She recounted a personal inspection of a highly-regarded school where she discovered a toilet lacking a door. "Many schools had very poor toilet facilities. Once, I went for an inspection to a very good and reputed school, which the previous government used to boast about. When I saw it, there was no gate in the toilet. How would our girl students have been using it?" she questioned.
Beyond Physical Infrastructure
While stressing the importance of physical infrastructure, Chief Minister Gupta clarified that education reform extends beyond just buildings. She affirmed that the government is simultaneously reviewing courses and curriculum to enhance the overall quality of education offered in Delhi. Education Minister Ashish Sood and the Education Department are continuously working on these areas.
Gupta assured the public that improving education and securing a brighter future for children remains a top priority for her government. She pledged that her administration would undertake all necessary and beneficial work concerning the education and future of children, addressing any remaining deficiencies.