Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood spoke at the Times Now Education Summit on how India’s education system has changed over the years. He talked about
schools, technology, teachers, and students and explained how the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is shaping education for the future. Crediting NEP 2020 for transforming the education system, he remembered how the previous education policy introduced in 1986 only focused on 'Operation Blackboard.' “At that time, the country was working towards just one goal—every classroom should have a blackboard,” he said. Talking about how technology has become part of daily life, he remembered when computers were introduced in schools, and training centers like NIIT opened in Delhi. At that time, many people feared that computers would take away jobs. “Today, parents give mobile phones to children even during meals,” he said. Speaking on the present shift, the minister said education has moved from students travelling abroad to study, to India discussing smart classrooms, AI-driven learning, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. “NEP 2020's goal is to provide uniform education and promote internationalization of education. Many institutes are setting up campuses in Delhi NCR," he said. Speaking on institutions infrastructure during previous governments, he said, “Infrastructure was often used as a PR exercise. But in Modi 3.0, education is a major focus. Whatever small work Delhi does becomes a model for the entire country.” “Within ten months, the Delhi government introduced the Fee Regulation Act. Complaints about play schools charging Rs 50K to 1 lakh are being addressed, especially those operating on government land,” he said. Also Read: 'Pressure Kills Potential': Super 30's Anand Kumar on Exams, True Learning at Times Now Education Summit
'7000 Smart Boards to be Installed in Delhi Schools'
Education minister Ashish Sood announced that 7,000 new smartboards will be installed in Delhi schools this year. Sharing future plans, he said that 175 schools will get fully functional CBSE ICT labs and over 100 language labs are also planned.AI Will Never Replace Teachers, Says Minister
Ashish Sood added that artificial intelligence would be used to reduce teachers’ burden in repetitive tasks such as attendance and question paper preparation. “Teachers should not feel insecure. AI will never replace teachers. Their engagement and intervention are irreplaceable,” he stressed.
Within ten months, the Delhi government introduced the Fee Regulation Act. Complaints about play schools charging Rs 50K to 1 lakh are being addressed, especially those operating on government land.
Sood said the government wants students to be technologically prepared so they do not feel alienated at the university level. Under initiatives like AI GrIND, nearly five lakh students are being encouraged to develop solutions to real-world problems such as pollution, traffic management, and inclusive education. “You will be shocked to see how students think. Even parents are encouraging students, and it has become a dining table discussion,” he said.
Delhi Education Minister on Regulating School Fees
On school fees, Sood said the government has brought a law to regulate fees. He said if government schools had been improved earlier, parents would not depend so much on private schools.
He invited teachers, parents, and experts to share ideas and help build a better education system.
Looking ahead, Sood said Delhi aims to become India’s startup capital. “Our students should become job providers, not job seekers. We may become the first state with a full-fledged incubation policy,” he said, adding that shared university infrastructure and future-ready campuses are also being developed.
Calling for collective effort, he invited educators and stakeholders to engage in open discussions. “With shared learning and collaboration, we can build a stronger, future-ready education system,” he said.
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