129 Govt School Buildings May Go Under Knife, ETEducation
New Delhi: Amid concerns over deteriorating condition of govt school buildings, a comprehensive revamp of education infrastructure is likely to be taken up soon.
A recent assessment has flagged 129 govt schools as being in a dilapidated condition and in urgent need of attention, highlighting the scale of the infrastructure challenge facing the city’s education system. According to available data shared by officials, classrooms in nine of these schools are in an unsafe condition, while 68 schools have one or more deteriorated blocks requiring immediate intervention.
As many as 16 schools are currently functioning from tin-roofed makeshift structures, and in seven schools, ancillary facilities such as guard rooms, multipurpose halls or toilet blocks were also found to be in a dilapidated state. “The possibility of demolishing existing unsafe buildings or complexes and constructing new structures in their place is being considered,” said an official.
Officials noted that delays in infrastructure projects compounded the problem, as several proposals related to the construction of new schools, the addition of classrooms and major renovations are pending with executing agencies. According to officials, the Directorate of Education (DOE) initiated a proposal to conduct structural and safety audits of all existing school buildings. The proposed audit is expected to assess repair and maintenance needs, identify buildings requiring fresh construction and evaluate the scope for upgrading sports facilities.
A key component of the proposed infrastructure push is the plan to upgrade 75 existing schools into CM Shri schools. The decision to establish these schools was taken by the Delhi Cabinet in May 2025. Following this, the education minister chaired a meeting directing that the identified schools be upgraded through facelifting, repairs, maintenance, upgradation and beautification. These schools are also proposed to be equipped with better furniture.
Officials indicated that the number of CM Shri schools might be increased in the coming years, which would require additional agencies to carry out the upgradation work. Reviews of infrastructure readiness reportedly identified recurring concerns related to civil repairs, electrical safety, classroom and multipurpose hall preparedness, sports facilities and overall ambience.
DOE also plans to expand capacity by constructing new schools. Proposals include building 10 new schools every year, with a target of 50 schools by the end of 2029. “Nearly 70 vacant plots allotted by various land-owning agencies have been identified, and district officials were asked to submit proposals for school buildings, sports facilities, and libraries,” said the official. The move is aimed at reducing high student-classroom ratios in several parts of Delhi, in line with Right to Education norms.
In addition, officials reported the availability of vacant land within existing school premises, which may be utilised for additional classrooms, new buildings, sports facilities, multipurpose halls, libraries and laboratories. Converting double-shift schools into single-shift institutions is another proposal under consideration, with 284 out of 799 govt schools currently running morning and evening shifts.
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