AAP protests delay in opening of govt school in Delhi

Tensions flared in East Delhi’s Seemapuri area on Wednesday as local residents, led by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Veer Singh Dhingan, staged a protest demanding the immediate opening of a newly constructed government school in Sunder Nagri. Despite being fully built under the previous Arvind Kejriwal-led government, the school remains non-functional, drawing strong criticism from AAP leaders and residents alike.

The demonstration saw participation from municipal councillors Ramesh Kumar and Mohini Jeenwal, AAP workers, and a large number of locals, all voicing anger over what they called the BJP government’s negligence and “anti-education agenda.”

Addressing the gathering, MLA Dhingan said, “This is the first school in Delhi constructed entirely under the AAP government. Former CM Atishi inaugurated the building, but the school has not opened even after the BJP has completed 100 days in power.”

The AAP accused the government of playing politics with children’s education. “The world-class school was built to benefit the underprivileged. But three months into the BJP’s rule in Delhi, not a single step has been taken to make the school operational,” the party said in a statement.

The school, located on land that was previously encroached by land mafias until it was reclaimed by the AAP government in 2016, boasts 131 classrooms, seven laboratories, a library, and a multipurpose hall. In 2024, then CM Atishi inaugurated the completed structure.

“This building is ready. There is no major hurdle in starting the school—just minor administrative delays that could be resolved in a single day with the right intent,” said Dhingan. He added that students in nearby government schools were being crammed into classrooms, with up to 80 children per room, against the prescribed norm of 40.

The AAP leaders have accused the BJP of deliberately stalling education initiatives. “The BJP government is celebrating 100 days in power with grand events while ignoring the basic needs of the people. Their inaction exposes their lack of commitment to education, especially for the poor,” Dhingan said.

He said formal letters and appeals had been made to the local MP, Education Minister and even the Chief Minister, but there had been no response. — TNS

Delhi