In a significant move aimed at revolutionizing student healthcare, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi's (MCD) education committee has put forth key proposals, including the introduction of digital health cards for all primary school students. The proposals were discussed during deliberations on the Budget Estimates for the fiscal year 2026-27 on Tuesday.
Digital Health Cards and Enhanced Insurance for Students
The committee, led by chairman Yogesh Verma, proposed linking these digital health cards with nearby dispensaries to ensure timely vaccination and regular health check-ups for students. The system is envisioned to function similarly to the Centre's Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) card, where each student would be assigned a unique 14-digit identification number.
"The health information of students will be shared seamlessly when they are transferred to other schools after completing Class V," Verma explained, highlighting the plan for complete digitalization of health records to ensure easy access, monitoring, and continuity of care.
In another crucial proposal, the panel addressed the need for better financial protection. Noting that the existing accidental insurance cover of Rs 50,000 had benefited only three to four students so far, the committee proposed doubling the coverage to Rs 1 lakh per student, citing rising medical costs.
Other educational initiatives put forward include the promotion of 1,400 teachers as principals after a long gap, the promotion of 70 teachers to school inspectors for improved coordination, and the provision of specialized booklets and learning material for educators.
Strengthening Animal Welfare and Sanitation Infrastructure
Parallelly, the MCD's health committee outlined ambitious plans to bolster animal welfare infrastructure in the capital. Manish Chaddha, chairman of the health committee, detailed proposals to add kennels at five Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres and to develop a second CNG-based dog crematorium at Bela Road.
"We have already issued a tender for the Bijwasan ABC centre for adding kennels. Work at the remaining four centres — Bela Road, Usmanpur, Rohini Unit I and II — will be taken up soon," Chaddha stated.
The committee has finalized 411 feeding points for stray dogs and is undertaking a project to construct a shelter for aggressive stray dogs in Sector 29, Dwarka, with a capacity to house 1,500 dogs. To manage populations effectively, the committee proposed installing microchips in stray cattle once they are brought to gaushalas.
"The dog microchipping project is proposed for four years at a cost of Rs 48 crore. Similarly, the cattle microchipping project will cost Rs 200 per animal and about Rs 50 lakh annually," Chaddha added.
Focus on Plastic Waste Management
The MCD's sanitation department also presented its vision, proposing the development of dedicated plastic waste management centres in each zone. The plan includes installing modern compactors and mechanised sweeping machines. Furthermore, provisions for additional staff have been proposed to strictly monitor unattended and perennial rubbish sites across the city.
These comprehensive proposals across education, animal welfare, and sanitation sectors mark a focused attempt by the MCD's committees to address pressing civic issues through digital innovation and infrastructure strengthening, setting the agenda for the 2026-27 municipal budget.
