The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is launching a major outreach drive to increase student enrolment in its schools after noticing a slight decline in admissions. The initiative, announced by Education Committee Chairperson Yogesh Verma, will focus on offering incentives such as free meals, uniforms, and stationery to attract more children to government-run schools.
Currently, MCD schools cater to around 6.5 lakh students, but the goal is to raise this number by at least one lakh in the coming months. The campaign aims to build awareness among parents, especially in underprivileged communities, about the benefits of enrolling their children in MCD schools, which now offer better facilities, improved infrastructure, and quality mid-day meals.
I find this initiative noteworthy because it addresses one of the biggest challenges in urban education — getting children from low-income families into classrooms. In many parts of Delhi, financial hardships and lack of awareness lead to dropouts or late admissions. By directly reaching out to families and offering tangible support like meals and school essentials, the MCD’s drive combines both compassion and practicality. It also highlights how simple steps can make a big difference in shaping children’s futures.
MCD’s Plan to Strengthen Enrolment
The outreach programme will be carried out across all MCD zones, with special focus on areas where enrolment has fallen in recent years. Teachers, school heads, and education officials will participate in the campaign, visiting neighbourhoods and slum areas to convince parents to send their children to school.
According to officials, the MCD’s Education Department will collaborate with anganwadi centres, NGOs, and local councillors to ensure maximum participation. Awareness rallies and door-to-door campaigns are also planned to inform families about the range of benefits available at MCD schools.
Incentives to Attract Students
To encourage enrolment, MCD schools are offering several facilities and incentives:
- Free mid-day meals with improved nutrition standards
- Uniforms and school bags for all enrolled students
- Free stationery kits including notebooks and pens
- Basic healthcare and vaccinations in coordination with local health departments
- Play-based learning tools for primary classes
Officials said the initiative is not just about increasing numbers but also ensuring that once enrolled, students continue their education without interruption.
Improving School Facilities
Over the past few years, the MCD has been working to upgrade its school infrastructure. Classrooms have been equipped with smart boards, libraries are being modernised, and teachers are undergoing training in digital teaching methods. The aim is to make MCD schools more appealing and at par with private institutions in terms of quality learning.
Many schools have also started co-curricular activities such as art, sports, and music sessions to ensure all-round development of students. These improvements are expected to help retain students and reduce dropout rates.
Tackling Dropout and Migration
Officials pointed out that a large number of children in Delhi’s working-class neighbourhoods either drop out or migrate with their families during the school year. The new outreach drive seeks to create awareness about the importance of continuous education, even during family relocations.
Local teachers have been asked to maintain contact with such families and help transfer children smoothly between schools under the MCD system. This way, no student loses out on learning opportunities.
A Step Towards Educational Equity
MCD’s move also aligns with broader national goals under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan and the Right to Education (RTE) Act, which focus on providing free and compulsory education for all children up to 14 years of age.
By focusing on inclusion, accessibility, and affordability, this initiative brings the education system closer to those who need it most. The emphasis on community-level engagement shows a shift from passive enrolment drives to proactive social outreach.
