MCD unsure about recognition of 35 primary schools

NEW DELHI - The fate of 35 primary schools in the national capital is hanging in balance as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is not sure if they fulfil the criteria for acquiring recognition.

“There are about 35 primary schools in Delhi which are functioning within an area of 200 sq metre each and these schools had applied for their recognition in the year 2006,” Mahender Nagpal, chairperson of the MCD’s education committee, told IANS.

As per the 2007 master plan, schools are granted recognition only if they have a minimum area of 800 sq metre. However, the 35 schools in question applied for recognition before the master plan was enforced.

“We are not sure about what to do. These schools had applied before the master plan was enforced, so technically they should have got the recognition. But since the master plan is enforced now, it is difficult to decide whether to recognise them or not,” Nagpal said.

“As of now, we have decided to allow the schools that are running in special zones (City zone, Sadar-Paharganj zone and Karol Bagh zone), where the provisions of the master plan do not apply, to remain operational,” he said.

“The issue has been brought to the notice of the urban development ministry and we are awaiting their response,” Nagpal added.

There are 1,746 recognised primary schools in the capital.