Delhi government announces slew of measures in education sector

Online draw of lots for students from weaker sections, pay parity among teachers across the board, audit of school accounts were among the slew of measures announced by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal here on Tuesday.

He said there would be criminal action against those schools found diverting the money earmarked for other purpose.

Stating that some schools have been observed to be misusing the fees they are charging, Kejriwal said: "They forge bills and siphon off the money. They divert the money."

"We are not regulating the fee neither are we prescribing the fee. We are going to verify the accounts of all the schools every year," he added.

A committee, headed by a retired judge, would be set up in this regard. "The committee will have the power to empanel chartered accountants who will verify the account of the schools," he added.

"The committee will have the power to order the refund of the excess money charged," Kejriwal said. "If they indulge in wrongdoing, there are provisions of penal action and criminal prosecution against then school."

He also said the government was working to bring pay parity among all the teachers across the board.

"There are schools which pay meagre amount to their teachers, but show much more in their record. We are working on the details of this," the chief minister announced.

He said instead of schools the government will hold online draw of lots for admission for students belonging to economic weaker section of the society.