Delhi Cabinet Approves Major Smart Classroom Expansion Across CM Shri Schools
On Tuesday, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta introduced the first budget of the newly formed BJP government for the financial year 2025–26.
A significant emphasis was placed on the education sector, with ₹19,291 crore allocated—marking a 17.7% increase compared to the previous year.
Focus on Education Reform
Chief Minister Gupta criticized previous education policies and emphasized her government’s commitment to transforming Delhi’s education landscape.
“It claimed to prioritise education in Delhi, but its actions were contrary. It misled Delhi on education and its policies deprived children of a promising future,” she stated during the budget presentation.
A key highlight was the announcement of 60 new ‘CM Shri’ schools. “These schools will be fully compliant with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and will implement the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSC) 2023,” Gupta said. A sum of ₹100 crore has been earmarked for these schools.
Additionally, ₹500 crore has been allocated for the development of an education hub in Narela.
Smart Classes and Digital Learning
To modernize infrastructure, the government plans to make education more technology-friendly.
Gupta revealed that ₹100 crore has been set aside to upgrade 7,000 classrooms into smart classes in a phased manner. The initiative also includes the distribution of free laptops to 12,000 Class X students to promote digital literacy.
Infrastructure for Higher Education
The Chief Minister highlighted efforts to strengthen higher education institutions. A total of 1,270 flats have been allocated to state-run universities to aid in campus development or expansion.
The universities benefiting from this initiative include the Delhi Technological University (DTU), Dr. B.R. Ambedkar University Delhi (DPRSU), and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU).
Boosting Vocational and Technical Training
Gupta also unveiled plans to enhance technical education. The redevelopment of ITI Pusa and the construction of a new ITI in Shahdara have been proposed.
The government has allocated ₹886 crore for various training and technical education programmes.
A new initiative, the Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Vidya Shakti Mission, has been launched with ₹21 crore allocated.
Under this scheme, students preparing for competitive exams like JEE, NEET, CLAT, CA, and CUET will receive professional guidance.
New Medical Colleges and Health Education
In an effort to strengthen healthcare education, Gupta announced the establishment of two new medical colleges in the capital.
These institutions aim to improve both medical services and access to quality medical education for Delhi’s youth.
‘Rashtraneeti’ for Civic Education
Gupta introduced the ‘Rashtraneeti’ programme to provide students with practical exposure to governance, democracy, active citizenship, and policymaking.
The initiative will involve students from all classes to help cultivate a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities.
Startup Incubation to Promote Entrepreneurship
To foster innovation and entrepreneurship among the youth, the government will establish 11 startup incubation centres.
“Rs 2.43 crore has been proposed for this initiative,” Gupta announced, highlighting the goal of supporting young entrepreneurs and providing them with necessary resources.
A Vision for the Future
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta’s budget focuses on building a strong educational foundation, improving technical and higher education infrastructure, and promoting innovation.
The initiatives laid out in the budget reflect the government’s aim to equip Delhi’s youth with modern tools and knowledge while strengthening civic engagement and healthcare education.
By channeling significant resources into education, technology, and entrepreneurship, the 2025–26 budget sets a transformative path for Delhi’s development under the newly elected BJP government.
