In a transformative step towards modernising public education, the Delhi Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has approved a ₹900 crore initiative to upgrade government school infrastructure with smart classrooms and digital tools. This large-scale education overhaul seeks to digitise over 21,000 classrooms by the 2029–30 academic year, significantly expanding access to technology-based learning across the capital.
As part of the first phase, 2,446 smart blackboards will be installed in 75 government schools under the “CM Shri School” initiative. The project marks the first major education reform under the BJP-led government that assumed power earlier this year, following Rekha Gupta’s appointment as Chief Minister in February 2025. The Public Works Department (PWD) will oversee implementation, which also includes building smart classrooms, training teachers in the use of digital tools, and embedding ICT-based learning modules as recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Education Minister Ashish Sood highlighted the contrast with the previous government’s efforts, noting that only 799 smart boards were installed over a decade (2014–2024), primarily funded through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships. In contrast, the current administration has committed to digitising 21,412 classrooms within five years, using a publicly funded approach aimed at ensuring sustainable infrastructure development.
“The focus will be on underserved regions such as Najafgarh, Narela, Seemapuri, Mahavir Enclave, and Kirari, where digital learning tools can have the most impact,” said Sood. He emphasised that the transformation is geared toward providing equitable learning opportunities and reducing the technological gap faced by students in low-income communities.
Official data indicates that out of 37,000 classrooms in Delhi’s government schools, only 2% currently have digital capabilities. With this funding boost, the government aims to bring more than 50% of classrooms under the smart education umbrella by 2030, reshaping the capital’s public education ecosystem.
The project is set to roll out in phases starting this academic year, with tenders for the first batch of schools already issued. Teacher training programmes, procurement of smart boards, and curriculum alignment are scheduled to begin concurrently, ensuring a comprehensive upgrade.
This ambitious policy shift reflects the BJP government’s prioritisation of technology-led educational reform and reaffirms its commitment to delivering quality, inclusive, and future-ready learning environments for students across Delhi.
