Delhi plans to set up over 500 govt schools

The Delhi government today announced that it will set up more than 500 government schools across the city in an effort to improve the educational infrastructure.
"Policies will be evolved and implemented to improve the standard of education in government schools so as to make them better than in private schools. Government shall put an end to the system of donations in private schools. In addition, private schools will need to make the fee fixation system transparent," Lt Governor Najeeb Jung today told the assembly.
Similarly, he said new government hospitals will be set up which would "more than match the treatment and facilities" provided by private hospitals, adding that "health and education are the bedrock of any human and social development".

In his address, Jung said the government will actively pursue with the central government to grant full statehood to Delhi.
Regarding trade and commerce, he said, the Delhi government would also review the VAT rates and simplify the VAT regime.
Citing the necessity to pay more attention to the needs of the rural people, Jung said, "Government shall provide subsidies and facilities to the farmers in villages on par with those available in other states. The lal dora will be extended."
Expressing concern over security for women and girls, he said, "50 per cent of the population should be intimidated enough to avoid public spaces is a shame."

"Special security cells shall be set up to ensure that women and girls are not harassed. New courts shall be set up and new judges appointed so as to ensure that all cases involving harassment of women or girls are disposed of in three months," he said, adding the aim will also be to dispose of other cases in six months.