Delhi LG VK Saxena has approved the regularization of 150 private unaided schools in unauthorized colonies, providing much-needed relief to thousands of students in areas like Narela, Sangam Vihar, and Najafgarh. These schools, mostly serving economically weaker communities, have faced years of uncertainty and harassment from various authorities. With the LG’s decision, these schools can now operate legally, expand to secondary education, and offer a smoother path for their students, who had previously faced unnecessary hurdles in taking board exams.
By PC BUREAU
In a major relief to thousands of students in Delhi’s unauthorized colonies, Delhi LG VK Saxena approved the regularization of 150 private unaided schools in non-conforming areas on January 6, 2025. These schools, serving communities in areas like Narela, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Colony, Najafgarh, Sangam Vihar, Asola, Nathupura, Deoli, Badarpur, Shyam Vihar, Bhagat Vihar, and Mundka, cater primarily to economically disadvantaged populations. These areas are largely unauthorized colonies, where road access is at least six meters wide.
The issue of regularizing these schools came to the forefront during LG Saxena’s Samvaad@RajNiwas with principals and teachers of private schools on December 20, 2024. At that time, he assured the attendees that the matter would be addressed promptly.
The schools, which primarily serve students from economically weaker sections, have been awaiting regularization since 2008, enduring harassment from the Directorate of Education, MCD, and DDA. In approving the regularization, the LG emphasized that it should align with applicable building bye-laws, as well as requirements for fire safety, structural stability, and other safety norms.
Saxena had previously convened a meeting with the Chief Secretary, along with officials from the Education Department, MCD, and DDA, to discuss the challenges faced by these schools and their students. It was revealed that these schools had been operating before January 1, 2006, and had been left in limbo due to the lack of a definitive decision. With the LG’s decision, these schools will not only be able to operate legally but also expand to offer secondary and higher secondary education. Previously, students from these schools were forced to take their board exams at other institutions, facing unnecessary difficulties and extra costs.
This decision also underscores a larger issue—the existence of these private schools with thousands of students, especially in underprivileged areas, serves as a stark reflection of the shortcomings in the Delhi government’s educational model and the supposed success of government schools.
