‘DBSE will be phased out, no point in having two Boards’

All verticals of the National Education Policy will be integrated into the curriculum, said Minister Ashish Sood.
| Photo Credit: SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR

As the Delhi government completed first 100 days, Education Minister Ashish Sood, in an interview with The Hindu, speaks about the government’s achievements in the field of education, plans to set up CM Shri Schools, introduce new subjects like Rashtraneeti and Science of Living, regulate fee hikes in private schools, and gradually phase out the Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE), which was introduced by the previous Aam Aadmi Party government

What are some of the biggest achievements in the first 100 days in the field of education?

Two major achievements stand out. First, we have initiated a 360-degree transformation of schools. CM Shri Schools, which will match private schools in infrastructure and quality, are being launched. These schools will have smart boards, AI tools to assist teachers, and language labs. All verticals of the National Education Policy (NEP) will be integrated into the curriculum.

Second, we have addressed the issue of fee exploitation in private schools. A new law has been introduced to protect Delhi’s common man from being overcharged. This legislation will ensure relief from unjustified fees.

Since the new law is yet to be passed, how will fees be regulated this academic session?

We aim to implement it soon and ensure that any excess fees charged are refunded to parents. In cases like DPS Dwarka, we sent a committee led by the District Magistrate. Today, parents have received justice in court thanks to that intervention.

Will new CM Shri Schools be built, or will existing DBSE schools be repurposed?

We don’t have the time to build entirely new structures right away, so in the initial phase, we are upgrading existing buildings. Just like Pratibha Vidyalayas were converted to Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Schools of Specialised Excellence (SOSEs), some CM Shri Schools will be developed similarly. Others will come up gradually as new institutions.

Will the Delhi Board of School Education (DBSE) be phased out?

Yes. We haven’t taken any new admissions under DBSE this year, and it will be phased out. There is no logic in having two Boards in one State. The previous government created confusion. We already have the CBSE, and the DBSE is linked to the International Baccalaureate Board, which is a separate Board altogether. This dual system does not make sense.

There were issues regarding funding 12 Delhi government-funded Delhi University colleges. Has that been resolved?

We’re resolving that. On April 1, we released the grant-in-aid for the quarter, which addresses salary and infrastructure concerns. We want to avoid academic disruptions. New governing bodies will also be formed as per the law.

What will be taught under the new subjects ‘Rashtraneeti’ and ‘Science of Living’?

Science of Living will address stress and anxiety in children through yoga, meditation, and emotional wellness. Teachings from spiritual leaders like Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Baba Ramdev, and Jaggi Maharaj will be incorporated.

Rashtraneeti will focus on civic responsibility, patriotism, environmental awareness, and values such as keeping the Yamuna clean. The curriculum is under development, and classes will begin this academic year.

What lies ahead?

Our biggest concern is that Delhi’s poor parents should not be extorted, which is why we want to ensure strict enforcement of the new law. Additionally, we plan to launch a school ranking system, like in colleges, to encourage healthy competition. Government and private schools will be ranked separately and together, so they can compete and be on par with each other.