Delhi gets 1st NIPUN Shala to boost literacy, numeracy

Marking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday, celebrated as Seva Pakhwada, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Thursday inaugurated the city’s first NIPUN Shala at Sarvodaya Kanya Vidyalaya, Janakpuri.

The launch is seen as a significant step under the government’s NIPUN Sankalp Yojana, aimed at strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) for Classes I to VIII.

Supported by the Rotary Club, the NIPUN Shala has been designed to improve learning outcomes and enhance survey performance. Representatives of Janakpuri resident welfare associations were also present at the event.

Unveiling the roadmap, Sood asserted that government schools in Delhi would soon outshine private institutions. “Government schools will now surpass private ones. In three years, every school will be a Smart School,” he said, stressing that the real goal of the NIPUN Sankalp Yojana was to ensure every child attains mastery in foundational literacy and numeracy.

“True transformation in education lies in actual learning outcomes. Delhi schools will soon lead in technology-enabled classrooms, and children from the capital will represent India as ‘AI Ambassadors’ on national and global platforms,” the minister added.

Taking a swipe at past claims of reforms, he commented, “In recent years, a false narrative was created in the name of education by showcasing infrastructure and calling it a revolution. True reform will be achieved only when students’ comprehension and learning improve.”

Recalling the legacy of Delhi’s government schools in producing IITians, doctors and civil servants, Sood said, “Earlier, families trusted government schools for their children. But gradually they shifted to private institutions. Under CM Rekha Gupta’s leadership, we will strengthen government schools to such an extent that parents will again prefer them for their children and grandchildren.”

The minister announced that 21,000 classrooms in the Capital are already equipped with smart blackboards, with another 17,000 to be added shortly. Every student will also be provided with a Chromebook for technology-driven education. Artificial Intelligence, Sood noted, will reduce teachers’ workload by automating attendance, question paper setting, and assessments.

Alongside the education initiatives, the minister also flagged off the NaMo Sugamya Rath and Sugamya Delhi Yatra (West Zone), part of an accessibility drive for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

“In every block and park of Janakpuri, a Purple Ambassador will be appointed to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities and the elderly. This is not merely a government scheme but a campaign of social awareness and community partnership to make Delhi a truly inclusive city,” Sood said.