Due to its cosmopolitan and multi-ethnic culture, Delhi has an ever-growing demand for quality education system.
An influx of migrants along with a significant increase in the local population has put tremendous pressure on the education infrastructure of Delhi. Ironically, the civic bodies that have been duly assigned to provide education in the city at all levels have succeeded in narrowing the demand and supply gap but have not been able to provide the basic infrastructure in their schools.
All three corporations have been criticised severely for lack of basic facilities such as clean drinking water, toilets and furniture in their schools and have been repeatedly urged to improve the quality of education and the basic amenities in their institutions. The recent mid-day meal controversy is a glaring example of the poor facilities provided to the hapless students studying in these schools.
Interestingly, while the MCD-run schools are struggling to provide basic facilities to students, the Government operated schools have shown commendable success in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class X results this year. Delhi also boasts of an advanced system of higher education that generates a lot of interest and enthusiasm among youngsters across the country. Scores of ambitious students from different parts of India aspire to be a part of the prestigious Delhi University. Apart from Delhi University, Delhi also has three other major Central universities, namely Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). The Capital has 10 universities, 12 institutions deemed as universities, 83 colleges for general education and 100 colleges for professional education. In all, a total of 6,05,232 students are enrolled in various institutions in the Capital.
With a far-sighted approach towards the upcoming Assembly elections in Delhi, the Government has recently decided to provide 90 per cent reservation to the students from Delhi in 12 Delhi University colleges, which are funded completely by the Delhi Government. The Government has also decided that the colleges receiving 50 per cent grant from the Delhi Government for their capital work and 5 per cent as the recurring grant should provide 50 per cent reservation to the students of Delhi.
Delhi Government plans to send these recommendations to the University of Delhi and to the Ministry of Home Affairs for approval. It is estimated that nearly 17,000 students of Delhi are studying in these Delhi University colleges at the moment. Once the above-said recommendations are accepted by the authorities, an additional 19,000 seats will be made available to students hailing from Delhi.
Delhi’s education system needs vision and willingness to provide good education to our young generation. But an educational institution cannot comprise students and teachers alone. It is essential and absolutely mandatory that basic facilities like clean drinking water, wholesome meals, comfortable and airy classrooms, hygienic toilets and an overall wholesome environment is provided to the young minds. Only then can a city boast of a good and advanced system of learning.