Education Minister says ‘every child in Delhi is our own’; warns schools against coercive fee recovery
By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
New Delhi: Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood on Monday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for allegedly politicising a long-pending school dispute days before board examinations, while assuring students and parents of full government support.
In a statement addressed to students and their families, Sood said the government led by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta remains committed to safeguarding the academic interests of every child in the Capital.
The remarks came after what the minister described as a “successful intervention” by his department to ensure that admit cards were issued to students of Apeejay School amid an ongoing dispute.
“Every child in Delhi is our own. Whether they study in private or government schools, my doors and the doors of my office are open 24/7 for them and their parents,” Sood said, positioning himself and the Chief Minister as “local guardians” for exam-going students.
Criticism of AAP
The Education Minister alleged that the AAP failed to resolve a five-year-old dispute between certain schools and parents, choosing instead to create “unnecessary optics” for political mileage. Referring to recent developments, Sood claimed that although a school was sealed in the morning, it was reopened by court orders within minutes, calling the action a mere “show”.
He said the government’s priority is to ensure that such disputes do not affect students, particularly during examination season.
Warning to Schools
Invoking Section 13 of the Fee Act, Sood warned private institutions against adopting coercive methods for fee recovery. He said the Education Department is engaging with school managements, senior officials and parents to prevent similar disruptions in the future.
Message to Students
With board examinations approaching, the minister urged students to remain focused and not succumb to stress.
“We want our children to excel in their academics for the sake of their families and for the future of Delhi. We are here to provide the mental stability and support they need during this crucial time,” he said.
The statement comes amid heightened political exchanges over school management and fee-related disputes in the national capital, even as thousands of students prepare to appear for their exams.
