The fear of closure of neighbourhood schools in the capital is over. The stand taken by Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has been vindicated as Lt-Governor of Delhi, Tejendra Khanna, has agreed to effect amendment in Master plan of Delhi-2021.
The amendment would ensure that schools whether recognised or not would not be closed with effect from 1 April. It may be recalled that the chief minister had taken up the matter with the Lt-Governor to amend the relevant provisions related to the land norms in respect of the minimum area of the school, referred in the Master Plan for Delhi-2021.
The implementation of the Act for recognition had made mandatory an area of 800 sq meter for primary schools and an area of 2,000 sq meter for senior secondary schools.
As large number of schools are functioning in less than the prescribed area, it was feared that schools would not be able to operate after 1 April. Dikshit had stated that it has since become essential to review the land norms in respect of primary and elementary schools so that maximum number of schools could be brought under fold of recognition.
Khanna, in his communication, has stated that he is in full agreement with the suggestions related to amendment to MPD submitted by the chief minister. He has also advised the government to proceed on the basis that the necessary change will be effected in the MPD. Hence, as per the decision, no school will face closure. Dikshit said this will result in big relief for thousands of children studying in neighbourhood schools, as the city government and municipal bodies stand authorised to grant recognition to un-recognised schools.
The amendment would ensure that schools whether recognised or not would not be closed with effect from 1 April. It may be recalled that the chief minister had taken up the matter with the Lt-Governor to amend the relevant provisions related to the land norms in respect of the minimum area of the school, referred in the Master Plan for Delhi-2021.
The implementation of the Act for recognition had made mandatory an area of 800 sq meter for primary schools and an area of 2,000 sq meter for senior secondary schools.
As large number of schools are functioning in less than the prescribed area, it was feared that schools would not be able to operate after 1 April. Dikshit had stated that it has since become essential to review the land norms in respect of primary and elementary schools so that maximum number of schools could be brought under fold of recognition.
Khanna, in his communication, has stated that he is in full agreement with the suggestions related to amendment to MPD submitted by the chief minister. He has also advised the government to proceed on the basis that the necessary change will be effected in the MPD. Hence, as per the decision, no school will face closure. Dikshit said this will result in big relief for thousands of children studying in neighbourhood schools, as the city government and municipal bodies stand authorised to grant recognition to un-recognised schools.