Delhi Government Prioritizes Youth Voices in Pre-Budget Consultation
In a significant move to democratize policy-making, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Education Minister Ashish Sood convened a dynamic interaction session at the Delhi Secretariat on Wednesday. The event brought together college and school students, working women, and sportspersons to gather actionable suggestions ahead of the Delhi budget, firmly placing young voices at the heart of governance under the 'Amrit Kaal' vision.
Students Outline Comprehensive Demands for Educational Enhancement
Students articulated a wide array of needs requiring budgetary attention, emphasizing both basic amenities and modern advancements. Key proposals included:
- Reconstruction of dilapidated school buildings to ensure safe learning environments.
- Establishment of modern digital libraries and improved access to higher-education books.
- Enhanced water supply, clean toilets, and upgraded internal school roads for better hygiene and accessibility.
- Implementation of AI-enabled facilities and dedicated career-counselling rooms to support future-ready skills.
- Well-maintained playgrounds to promote physical activity and sports.
A Class XI student notably suggested extending the mid-day meal scheme to Class XII and incorporating protein-rich food to address nutritional gaps. Another participant advocated for improved sports training facilities and access to trained coaches, highlighting how this could bolster students pursuing sports professionally.
Working Women Raise Critical Safety and Infrastructure Issues
Teachers, particularly working women, voiced pressing concerns during the interaction. They pointed to the presence of anti-social elements at metro stations during commutes, underscoring the need for enhanced women's safety measures. Additional issues flagged included:
- Challenges related to public transport efficiency and traffic management.
- Inadequate school infrastructure and civic amenities affecting daily operations.
- Demands for a salary hike for guest teachers and an additional monthly leave to improve working conditions.
- Requests for AI training programs for women teachers and the provision of crèche facilities in schools to support working mothers.
Sportspersons Advocate for Increased Investment in Athletics
Sportspersons and representatives from sports bodies presented a strong case for higher budgetary allocations to athletics. Their proposals aimed at fostering a robust sports culture in Delhi:
- Making sports compulsory in the school curriculum to encourage participation from a young age.
- Reducing rental charges at Delhi government stadiums to make facilities more accessible.
- Hiring permanent coaches, including women coaches, and increasing the number of physical education teachers.
- Upgrading sports equipment and providing grants to sports bodies for sustained development.
- Developing world-class sports infrastructure in the capital to host national and international events.
Leadership Emphasizes Youth as Active Governance Partners
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta engaged personally with the participants, sharing her own experiences and listening to their insights. Education Minister Ashish Sood, in his opening remarks, reinforced the government's commitment to inclusive policy-making. "Today's youth are not just citizens of tomorrow but citizens of today, who are aware of ongoing developments in the country and the city. Therefore, it is essential to incorporate their expectations and ideas into the budget," he stated.
Officials confirmed that all suggestions will be meticulously examined for potential inclusion in the upcoming budget, with the interaction serving as a cornerstone for engaging youth as active participants in governance. This initiative reflects a broader effort to align budgetary priorities with the grassroots needs of Delhi's diverse communities, particularly focusing on education, safety, and sports development.
