54 model schools in Delhi are changing the image of government-run institutions

NEW DELHI: Ever since Class IX student Chanda’s school got a facelift, her joy has known no bounds. She is no longer greeted by the sight of dirty classrooms and

NEW DELHI: Ever since Class IX student Chanda’s school got a facelift, her joy has known no bounds. She is no longer greeted by the sight of dirty classrooms and flakes of paint peeling off of the walls.

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The Government Girls Senior Secondary School in New Kondli is among the 54 government schools selected as part of a pilot project to build model institutions. The A AP government plans to bring them on a par with private schools. These schools were selected after principals submitted proposals on how to improve their schools.

“Ever since my school became a model school, our teachers have become more attentive. My biggest achievement in the last year was becoming fluent in English,” says Chanda.

INFRA BOOST

The dilapidated buildings have got a facelift and new classrooms have been built. “Clean classrooms and modern infrastructure help boost students’ confidence. Parents feel proud of the school. This is just the first of a series of steps to be taken to bring about change,” said BK Sharma, principal, ShaheedH emu Kalani Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, Lajpat Nagar, which was established in 1948.

Most schools hope to finish the construction by December.

TEACHERS, STUDENTS UPBEAT

Students said ever since the school turned model, teachers have become more responsible and focus more on teaching. “Our teachers are more attentive now. Even we feel we need to perform well now,” said a student.

The school has seen a jump in admissions from around 3,600 last year to over 4,000 this year.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The directorate of education has started a special programme under which experts are teaching students music, dance (classical and contemporary), theatre, fine arts (including craft), creative writing, and photography.

Some principals claimed even students from nearby private schools are enrolling in model schools.

“We admitted around 50 students from private schools. Parents and students are slowly realising they are getting facilities on a par with private schools,” said Meena Kumari, principal of Sarvodya Kanya Vidyalaya, Zeenat Mahal, Jafrabad. The school has around 5,000 students on its rolls.

SIMMERING DISCONTENT

Many feel the changes are cosmetic, with the problem of teacher shortage has not been addressed.

“Who will plan these fancy activities for the students when there are no teachers,” said a teacher from a model school in west Delhi.