Page 14 - Atishi

India has largest number of malnourished people, says Minister Atishi

India has the "largest number of malnourished" people, despite being the second largest producer of food in the world, Delhi Minister Atishi said in London, prompting sharp reactions from the BJP which alleged that she "defamed" the country on an international platform. Addressing the Cambridge India Conference in London on Thursday, the Delhi education minister claimed that Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has brought a major shift in the politics of India by his "exemplary work" in the past eight years. "It is for the first time in the democratic history of India that politics is being done on governance and parties across the country have education and health as their top agenda," Atishi said, adding, "It is really concerning that it took us 75 years since Independence to discuss politics that delivers these basic amenities." "It has taken so many years for governments to prioritize education and healthcare. In the past 75 years, we have not had a single political party that claime

School of excellence helped students to explore artistic abilities: Atishi

Dr B R Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence (ASoSE) has created a platform for students to explore their artistic abilities and channel their thoughts into impactful art forms, Delhi Education Minister Atishi said on Saturday. Attending the art exhibition named "Lehar" at the Bikaner House, Atishi said the event not only highlighted the talent of young artists but also underscored the importance of incorporating arts education into school curriculum. "B R Ambedkar School of Specialised Excellence has created a platform for students to explore their artistic abilities and channel their thoughts into impactful art forms. This exhibition not only highlighted the immense talent of these young artists but also underscored the importance of incorporating arts education into our curriculum to foster creativity," she said. The exhibition was organised by more than 370 students of Class 10 and 11 from ASoSE (Performing and Visual Arts) to showcase the artwork created by them. "It was .

Delhi govt school teachers capable of being among best globally: Atishi

Delhi government school teachers have proved that they are capable of being among the "best" in the world, Education Minister Atishi said on Friday at the Global Teaching Professionals Olympiad (TPO). Teachers from government schools here were among 6,000 participants from five countries who competed in the olympiad. The Delhi government's Directorate of Education (DoE) in collaboration with CENTA, hosted the the olympiad, to "acknowledge the talents" of teachers in Delhi and the other participants, officials said. Delhi government school teachers have "announced to the world that they have the competence to be the best globally", Atishi said. "Delhi government school teachers are confident to be among the best on the global platform. Our government's investment in Delhi government school teachers and providing them global exposure is finally showing results," she said. The competition was aimed to evaluate educators' abilities based on international standards and promote excellen

Ensure parity in learning outcomes, customised for each child: Atishi

Teachers must ensure parity in learning levels of students and opportunities beyond schools to fulfil the vision of 'Mission Buniyaad', Delhi Education Minister Atishi said on Thursday as she stressed the need for providing each child with customised learning. Interacting with students and teachers at a 'Mission Buniyaad' class at an MCD School in New Friends Colony, the Delhi minister gave instructions for monitoring the learning progress of each child. To fulfil the vision of Mission Buniyaad teachers must motivate every child in their class to learn, Atishi said. She said 'Mission Buniyaad' was initiated to bridge the learning gap among children. "The process of transformation has begun in the MCD schools now. Following this, MCD schools are now focusing on creating a conducive learning environment for every child studying in them," she said. The Education Minister said the BJP had "neglected" MCD schools and "disregarded the efforts" of teachers in the past 15 years. Highlighti

Atishi says Delhi L-G seeking report on CM home renovation unconstitutional

Delhi PWD Minister Atishi on Sunday wrote to Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena saying his directions seeking the seizure of records and directing executive action in connection with renovation of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's official residence is "unconstitutional" and "undemocratic". In the letter, she urged the L-G to "withdraw his communication" and "restore the scheme of governance intended by the Constitution for Delhi and its people". "We hope that you will not force the elected government to approach the court once again in respect of your actions," Atishi maintained. Amid a row over crores of rupees spent on renovating Kejriwal's official residence, Saxena has ordered officials to secure the records of expenditure and sought a report on the matter within 15 days. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been attacking Kejriwal and the AAP, claiming Rs 45 crore was spent on the renovation of the chief minister's residence at 6, Flagstaff Road here during 2020-22. The Aam Aadmi

First-ever mega parent-teacher meeting held in Delhi govt, MCD schools

The first-ever joint parents-teacher meeting (PTM) was organised in all the Delhi government and MCD schools of the capital on Sunday with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying that they will now work to transform the civic body-run schools. According to officials, the meeting was conducted in more than 1,000 Delhi government schools and over 1,500 MCD schools. "Today, a mega PTM is being held in both MCD and Delhi government schools in Delhi. Just as Delhi government schools have been transformed with the help of all students, teachers, and parents, we will now work together to transform MCD schools as well," Kejriwal tweeted in Hindi. Education Minister Atishi, who also visited some schools, said in 2015 when the Kejriwal government was formed, the condition of Delhi government schools was the same as MCD schools now. There was no cleanliness, no drinking facility and benches and desks were broken. But after years of hard work and dedication, the old education system in Delhi was

Atishi orders inspection of govt children's homes, seeks report by May 15

Women and Child Development Minister Atishi has ordered immediate inspection of all government-run children's homes in Delhi and sought a detailed report on each by May 15, officials said on Saturday. The orders come in light of the minister's recent surprise visits to two children's homes in Lajpat Nagar where the facilities were found in a state of disrepair. Atishi has pulled up the officials concerned and sought a comprehensive report on each of the 25 children's homes run by the government by May 15 for review, they added. Atishi said, "Children coming to these homes have horrible pasts and deserve special care and attention. They need to be in such an environment that can motivate them to move ahead in their lives. "Providing them with an opportunity to lead a dignified life and continue their education is the priority of the (Chief Minister Arvind) Kejriwal government and no laxity will be tolerated in this matter." The minister added that she ordered the officials to take

Anurag called protesting wrestlers indisciplined, says AAP; BJP hits back

Reacting sharply to Delhi Minister Atishi's claim at Jantar Mantar, the venue of the ongoing protest by star Indian grapplers against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president and Brij Bhushan Sha

Reopening of Chirag Delhi flyover to benefit millions of commuters: Atishi

The full reopening of the Chirag Delhi flyover from Wednesday following maintenance work will benefit lakhs of commuters travelling between Nehru Place and the Indian Institute of Technology every day, PWD Minister Atishi said. The Public Works department (PWD) completed the maintenance work ahead of schedule. Now that the work on both the carriageways has been completed, the flyover will be open for traffic from Wednesday, she said. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal kept a watch on the maintenance work and monitored the progress regularly, Atishi said. "The maintenance work had to be halted several times due to frequent rain in the past month, causing delays in the timeline. However, the PWD showed its commitment by working round the clock and completing the work ahead of schedule. We are proud that the PWD has taken another step forward in making Delhi traffic jam-free," she added. The reopening of the flyover will benefit lakhs of commuters who travel between Nehru Place and IIT ev

Atishi asks PWD officials to complete desilting work before monsoon

Delhi PWD Minister Atishi on Friday directed officials of the department to complete the desilting of drains before the monsoon season, and sought a weekly report from them. The PWD said in a statement it was working to create a proper infrastructure by identifying various waterlogging hotspots in the capital so as to prevent the problem during heavy rains. To take stock of the department's preparations, Atishi held a review meeting with the officials on Friday, it said. She directed the officials to ensure that a system is in place to prevent waterlogging before the monsoon so that no inconvenience is caused to the public, the statement said. "The desilting work of the PWD's drains should be completed within the stipulated timeline, and its report should be submitted on a weekly basis. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, we are committed to working towards freeing Delhi from waterlogging," Atishi said. The PWD has identified 165 waterlogging spots and five ...

Around 4,000 students in Delhi govt schools trained in fine arts: Report

Around 4,000 students in Delhi government schools have received training in different fine arts through an initiative launched three years ago, according to a report launched by Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Tuesday. Started as a joint pilot project by the state government and the Nalandaway Foundation, a city-based NGO, the Delhi Arts Curriculum initiative allowed students from underserved communities to choose from five art forms, including music, dance, and theatre, among others. Launching the report, Atishi said that 'Art Integrated Learning' will empower children to identify their artistic skills and express themselves with confidence. "When a child comes to school every morning, they are immensely energetic and full of unbridled curiosity. It is extremely vital that we undertake changes in methods of teaching and learning to ensure that we can leverage this curiosity and help the child learn as much as possible, Atishi said. The curriculum report by Nalandaway Foundation

Amid row, L-G Saxena approves extension of power subsidy in Delhi

Lt Governor V K Saxena has approved the extension of power subsidy in Delhi, a move that came amid a row between the LG office and the AAP government after Power Minister Atishi said the scheme would end from Friday as the file to extend the subsidy was held back by Saxena. In the ensuing blame game, the Lt Governor office said the file of power subsidy was received from the government as late as April 11 and it was dispatched back on Friday morning. The file was signed yesterday and sent to CM today, before a press conference by Atishi. They are trying to save face, having obviously been caught on a very very embarrassing and wrong foot," said an officer at the LG office. A Delhi government functionary admitted the file to extend the power subsidy in the city was signed by the LG. The file of subsidy was held back by the LG and a press conference was held by the Power minister in this issue, he said. Atishi in a media briefing earlier in the day said power subsidy of 46 lakh ...

Atishi, Delhi mayor blame BJP for dilapidated condition of primary schools

Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Monday blamed the BJP for the dilapidated condition of primary schools in the city and asserted that the AAP-led civic body will strive for providing students equal access to a conducive learning environment. Atishi and Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi conducted a surprise inspection of the MCD Primary School in Wazirabad village on Monday. During the inspection, they found the school in bad shape owing to lack of maintenance and cleanliness. Reprimanding the school principal for her negligent attitude, Atishi said, Such a condition of the school is unacceptable and is a result of the BJP's 15 year-old legacy in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD). The principal and the school administration must ensure that students receive proper education in a clean and safe environment. The neglect shown towards the school is a reflection of the careless attitude towards the future of our children. We cannot allow our children to be deprived of proper education d

Making good citizen important than making children score good marks: Atishi

Making good citizens is more important than making children just score good marks, Delhi Education Minister Atishi said on Sunday. She was interacting with teachers of Delhi government schools at the closing ceremony of a five-day training programme by State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) to understand objectives of the 'Happiness Curriculum'. Atishi said schools have started focussing on making children a better professional through learning the content of subjects. "Today's school education focuses on making children a better professional through learning the content of the subjects. But rarely any attention is paid to skills that are required in everyday life. Students are not prepared properly for everyday challenges despite spending 14-15 years in studying," Atishi said. "Making good citizens is more important than making children just score good marks," she said, highlighting Arvind Kejriwal government's vision for Delhi's education system. Speaking abo

Delhi to have 100 EV charging station with lowest rates by July-end: Atishi

Delhi is likely to have 100 "world-class" electric vehicle (EV) charging stations with the "lowest charging costs in the world" by the end of July this year, Delhi Power Minister Atishi said on Thursday. She further said EV charging rates in Delhi are the "lowest in the world" at less than Rs 3 per unit. Atishi said she has instructed officials to ensure that 50 EV charging stations are ready by the end of April, and all 100 by the end of July. "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi is leading the EV revolution in India. Over 16.7 per cent of total vehicles sold in the capital are electric, the highest share of EVs in total sales across the country," she said. Reviewing the progress of work to set up charging stations, the power minister asked officials to ensure timely completion of the project taken up on public-private partnership mode. The 100 EV charging stations will be established at metro stations, bus depots and public places across the city. Durin

Contracts of MCD teachers to be renewed soon: Delhi Education Minister

Addressing the concerns of the teachers, Atishi said that empowering government school teachers has always remained the topmost priority for Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

Delhi government extends power subsidy scheme for another year: Minister

Delhi cabinet in its meeting on Tuesday approved extending the power subsidy scheme for next one year, despite "conspiracies" to stop it, Power minister Atishi said in a press conference. The people of Delhi will continue to get free electricity on monthly consumption of 200 units. Those using 201-400 units will get a 50 per cent subsidy. Applications received for power subsidy from October till now will be considered valid till April 2024, said the minister. "The decision comes despite efforts by the BJP and the Lieutenant Governor to stop the scheme," said the minister, who had earlier claimed that attempts were being made to stop free electricity provided by the Kejriwal government to the farmers and lawyers. In the wake of her allegations, the BJP had accused her of lying that farmers were getting free power supply and claimed they were receiving bills of thousands of rupees due to fixed charges. In a statement, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal thanked the people of Delhi

Atishi hits back at BJP over claims of 'poor results' of Delhi govt schools

Delhi Education Minister Atishi on Monday slammed the BJP for "spreading misinformation" and "concocting lies" about the results of city government-run schools. She was reacting to claims by the saffron party that 50 out of every 100 students studying in Delhi government schools dropped out in class 10 and that a similar dropout pattern was seen in classes 11 and 12. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) also alleged that teachers were forced to write answers in almost blank answer sheets of below average students, especially in multiple choice questions section, and then pass them with minimum 33 per cent marks. In a statement, Atishi said the BJP is not concerned about the pitiable condition of the government schools in states ruled by it, adding that these schools function with classrooms made of tin sheds and in the absence of basic facilities. The Arvind Kejriwal government is doing everything in its control to improve the condition of government schools in Delhi and children over

Delhi govt orders audit of subsidy to discoms to check disparity: Atishi

Delhi power minister Atishi on Monday said Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has ordered an audit of the subsidy being given to discoms to ascertain if there are any discrepancies. Addressing a press conference, Atishi said agencies empanelled with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India will conduct the audit and directions in this regard will be issued in two to three days. "A conspiracy is being hatched at a high level to stop free electricity being provided by the Kejriwal government. Files are not being shown to the chief minister and the power minister... It shows that something is amiss," Atishi claimed. "Government-appointed experts in discom boards were removed earlier and now questions are being raised if the LG is colluding with the discoms," she alleged. Immediate reaction from the LG office was not available. Atishi said the chief minister has ordered an audit of the subsidy being provided to the discoms to ascertain how this money was being used and if there were a

Delhi govt issues directions to ensure unhindered admission in EWS category

The action plan was discussed during a high-level meeting where Education Minister Atishi instructed the officials that the EWS admissions for this session be done in a smooth manner