Delhi Government approves procurement of 10,000 dual desks from Tihar Jail Factory to improve government school infrastructure and provide rehabilitation opportunities for inmates. CM Rekha Gupta shares details.
In a significant move to address furniture shortages in government schools, the Delhi Government has approved the procurement of 10,000 dual desks from the Tihar Central Jail Factory. The decision was finalized at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
Boosting Education and Rehabilitation
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized that the initiative not only aims to improve the learning environment in government schools but also provides employment and skill development opportunities for inmates at Tihar Jail. “This procurement aligns with the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ guidelines on inmate rehabilitation and productive engagement, discussed during the third National Chief Secretaries’ Conference,” she added.
The dual desks, to be supplied inclusive of GST, are estimated to cost Rs. 8.95 crore, covering transportation and other ancillary expenses. The Delhi Education Department has already earmarked Rs. 20 crore in the 2025-26 budget for furniture and essential school items.
Quality and Cost Efficiency
CM Rekha Gupta clarified that desks manufactured by Tihar Jail meet quality standards comparable to those used by the Public Works Department (PWD) while being approximately 25% more economical than market rates. “This initiative enhances educational infrastructure for students and simultaneously creates a strong pathway for skill development and rehabilitation of inmates,” she stated.
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Survey Reveals Desk Shortage Across Schools
Delhi currently operates 1,086 Delhi Government schools, and with increasing student enrollment and new classroom constructions, a shortage of dual desks had become evident. A special survey conducted in April, involving school principals, district deputy directors, and regional directors, identified a requirement for 23,321 dual desks across 127 schools. Additional requests from other schools increased total demand to nearly 25,000 desks.
To meet this need in phases, the government decided to procure 10,000 desks in the first phase, with further procurement planned in subsequent phases. Education Minister Ashish Sood confirmed that this phased approach will ensure timely fulfillment of furniture requirements and support smoother learning environments for students.
Impact on Education and Social Reform
The initiative reflects a dual objective: strengthening the quality of education and promoting social reform through inmate rehabilitation. By engaging inmates in productive work, the government aims to provide them with meaningful skills, while students benefit from improved classroom facilities.
This project stands as a model for combining education enhancement with social responsibility, creating a win-win scenario for both students and the incarcerated population.
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