New Delhi: In a major push to improve classroom infrastructure, the Delhi government has approved the procurement of 10,000 dual desks for its government schools from the Tihar Jail factory. The initiative aims not only to bridge the growing furniture gap in schools but also to boost rehabilitation and employment opportunities for inmates.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, after chairing a cabinet meeting, announced that the decision was made to address the persistent shortage of student desks across the capital’s government schools. The project will cost approximately ₹8.95 crore, including transportation and associated expenses.
For the next financial year, the education department has already allocated ₹20 crore to upgrade school furniture and improve basic facilities.
Supports Rehabilitation and National Recommendations
Gupta highlighted that the initiative fulfills recommendations made by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs at the third national chief secretaries’ conference, which urged states to expand meaningful work opportunities for prison inmates.
The dual desks manufactured by the Tihar Jail factory will be supplied at approved rates, including GST. She noted that these desks meet PWD-quality standards and are nearly 25% more economical than those available in the market. The collaboration, she added, will not only strengthen school infrastructure but also help inmates gain valuable vocational skills for life after release.
Growing Demand in Delhi Schools
Education Minister Ashish Sood stated that Delhi currently operates 1,086 government schools, with student enrolment steadily increasing. Additionally, new classrooms are being constructed every year, further widening the demand-supply gap for dual desks.
To estimate the extent of the shortage, the government conducted a detailed survey in April. Inputs were collected from school principals, district deputy directors, and regional officials. The survey identified an immediate requirement of 23,321 desks across 127 schools, with additional requests taking the total need to nearly 25,000 desks.
First Phase: 10,000 Desks to Be Delivered
Given the scale of demand, the government has opted to roll out the procurement in phases. In the first phase, 10,000 dual desks will be supplied by the Tihar Jail factory, helping to significantly reduce the deficit in priority schools.
The initiative marks a significant move toward improving learning environments while fostering inmate rehabilitation through productive work engagements.
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