Prem Nagar’s 2.5 lakh residents lack a municipal primary school

Residents of Prem Nagar in northwest Delhi say the absence of a municipal primary school in Ward No. 38 forces children to travel outside the locality for classes. The ward has nearly 2.5 lakh residents and 7,000 to 8,000 children, according to a representation by education activist Ashok Agarwal. Neighbouring municipal schools have certified that groups of 123, 86 and 58 students from Prem Nagar are enrolled with them solely because no primary school exists in the ward.

Efforts to establish a school have been underway for nearly three years. A Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) official said the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has identified a plot of about 1,100 sq metres, and the matter has been forwarded to examine technical feasibility. Agarwal's letter states that despite repeated representations and inter-departmental correspondence, no final decision has been taken. An existing government school with primary classes has limited seats.

Agarwal has sought a joint meeting of MCD, DDA and the Delhi government to resolve administrative issues and a clear timeline for construction. The MCD official said subject to the site being found feasible, necessary action will be initiated for allotment and construction. DDA did not immediately respond.