The Delhi government’s Education Department has ordered a district-wise inspection of government schools that are in a state of disrepair. According to officials, the move comes after a recent audit revealed several schools suffering from broken ceilings, water seepage, damaged furniture, and unhygienic washrooms. The inspection aims to identify and fix such schools to ensure that students study in safe and healthy environments. The first such inspection was conducted earlier this month at a school in Narela, which was found to be in a severely dilapidated condition, prompting the department to expand the review city-wide.
I’m writing about this because the issue highlights a deep concern that goes beyond infrastructure — it’s about the quality and dignity of public education. While Delhi has been praised in recent years for investing in its schools, the condition of some institutions shows that progress is uneven. Ensuring proper classrooms, toilets, and maintenance is fundamental to learning. This inspection is not just about repairs but about restoring confidence in the government school system, which millions of children from low-income families depend on every day. It’s a reminder that education reform must begin with safe and dignified spaces for students and teachers alike.
Why the inspection was ordered
The decision follows growing complaints and reports about poor infrastructure in several government-run schools. During the Delhi Assembly session on March 24, Education Minister Ashish Sood acknowledged the issue, informing the House that an action report would be prepared on schools suffering from neglect. He said the government is committed to improving learning conditions and will hold officials accountable for maintenance delays.
A senior official from the Education Department confirmed that a comprehensive audit is already underway. “We have asked district-level officers to collect data and identify schools where infrastructure has deteriorated. The idea is to prepare a list of schools that need urgent repair or reconstruction,” the source said.
The inspections will cover basic facilities such as roofs, walls, classrooms, toilets, furniture, and electrical safety. Schools with serious damage or unsafe conditions will be prioritised for renovation.
The Narela school that triggered the review
The inspection drive began after an internal audit at a government school in Narela exposed alarming conditions. The school had crumbling ceilings, water leakage, broken desks, and unsanitary washrooms. Photos from the inspection showed damp walls, unsafe classrooms, and poor ventilation — making the environment unfit for students.
Officials who visited the site reported that both teachers and students had been raising concerns for months, but repairs were repeatedly delayed. The incident led the department to widen its focus beyond individual complaints and initiate a systematic review of all schools across districts.
Key issues identified so far
While the inspection process is still ongoing, early findings point to some recurring challenges:
- Poor maintenance: Many schools lack regular upkeep despite being renovated a few years ago.
- Water seepage and leakage: Buildings with ageing infrastructure suffer from water damage during monsoon.
- Inadequate sanitation: Washrooms, especially for girls, are either damaged or poorly cleaned.
- Damaged furniture: Old, broken desks and benches make classroom learning uncomfortable.
- Safety hazards: Broken wiring, exposed cables, and cracked ceilings pose risks to both staff and students.
Officials said the inspection teams are documenting each issue with photos and notes, which will be compiled into a district-level database for review by the Education Minister’s office.
Government’s plan for action
The Education Department plans to classify schools based on the severity of damage. Those requiring immediate repair will be given top priority. The department has also instructed local education officers to coordinate with the Public Works Department (PWD) to ensure timely renovation.
A senior official said, “The idea is not just to identify problems but to create a system where schools are regularly inspected and maintained. We want to avoid situations where damage goes unnoticed for years.”
The government is also exploring community involvement, encouraging School Management Committees (SMCs) to monitor maintenance and report issues early. The use of digital tools for reporting infrastructure damage is being discussed to make the process faster and more transparent.
Voices from teachers and parents
Teachers’ associations have welcomed the move but also pointed out that repairs must not be delayed due to bureaucratic red tape. A teacher from North Delhi said, “We’ve seen many inspection drives in the past, but the real problem is follow-up. Schools send requests for repairs, but the approval process can take months.”
Parents echoed similar concerns, emphasising the impact poor infrastructure has on attendance and morale. “When classrooms leak or washrooms don’t work, children don’t feel safe. Many girls skip school during monsoon season because of sanitation issues,” said a parent from East Delhi.
A larger problem of maintenance gaps
Delhi’s government schools have undergone visible transformation in the last decade, with several receiving new classrooms, digital boards, and improved facilities under previous education reforms. However, experts say that maintenance and monitoring systems have not kept pace with this growth.
According to education researchers, the gap lies not in building infrastructure but in sustaining it. Schools often lack dedicated maintenance budgets, and responsibilities for repair are split between departments, leading to delays and confusion. Without a continuous review mechanism, minor damages can grow into major structural problems over time.
Need for sustained investment in school infrastructure
Infrastructure repair is more than an aesthetic issue — it affects student learning, attendance, and overall safety. Studies show that poor classroom conditions directly impact concentration and increase dropout rates, particularly among younger children.
To ensure long-term improvement, experts recommend that the Delhi government:
- Establish an annual infrastructure audit for all government schools.
- Allocate separate funds for routine maintenance.
- Strengthen coordination between Education and PWD departments.
- Involve local school committees in monitoring and feedback.
- Publish public reports on school infrastructure status for transparency.
