Delhi govt to digitize 21,000 classrooms by 2029 with ₹900 Cr plan. CM Rekha Gupta’s smart classroom project to bridge digital divide in public schools.
In a bold move to transform public education in the national capital, the Delhi government, under the leadership of newly elected Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has rolled out an ambitious ₹900 crore project aimed at converting over 21,000 government school classrooms into fully digital learning spaces. This comprehensive initiative is a major leap toward integrating smart education technology into the city’s public school system and ensuring that all students—regardless of their background—have access to modern learning tools.
A New Era in Delhi’s Public Education
The smart classroom project, set to unfold over the next five years and be fully implemented by the academic year 2029-30, represents one of the largest investments in school infrastructure in recent years. More than 21,000 classrooms will be fitted with interactive smart boards, digital learning aids, and robust ICT (Information and Communication Technology) infrastructure.
The initial phase has already been greenlit, with 2,446 smart blackboards to be installed across 75 government schools that fall under the “CM Shri School” initiative. This early rollout marks the first significant education infrastructure deployment under the new BJP-led government in Delhi. The Public Works Department (PWD) will spearhead the execution of this project, which will also include teacher training, construction of new tech-enabled classrooms, and alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
From 2% to 50%: Aiming for Rapid Digitization
Until now, Delhi had seen only modest progress in smart classroom implementation. Between 2014 and 2024, just 799 smart boards were installed, mostly through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) partnerships. That accounted for barely 2% of Delhi’s 37,000 government classrooms. In contrast, the current administration has pledged to bring over 50% of these classrooms under a smart learning framework, vastly accelerating the pace of digital adoption.
Education Minister Ashish Sood emphasized the scale and urgency of this initiative, noting that the digital push will prioritize schools in underserved and under-resourced areas such as Najafgarh, Narela, Seemapuri, Kirari, and Mahavir Enclave. The focus is not only on infrastructure but also on equity—ensuring that students from economically weaker sections gain equal access to digital education tools that were previously out of reach.
Bridging the Digital Divide
At its core, this ₹900 crore investment seeks to bridge the longstanding digital divide in Delhi’s public education system. A large section of students in government schools come from families that cannot afford laptops, tablets, or high-speed internet at home. The smart classroom initiative levels the playing field, allowing every student to benefit from interactive and tech-driven teaching methods. It’s not just about screens and software—it’s about creating a more engaging, future-ready learning environment that stimulates curiosity and supports holistic development.
This focus on digital inclusion is especially relevant in the post-pandemic era, where technology has become inseparable from education. The government aims to ensure that no child is left behind due to lack of resources.
CM Rekha Gupta’s Vision for Education
Since taking office in February 2025, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has made it clear that education reform is a cornerstone of her governance. The smart classroom project is not just a policy intervention—it’s a symbol of the administration’s commitment to building a digitally empowered generation.
Her government has already floated tenders for the first batch of schools, with implementation expected to begin in the current academic year. The approach is phased and methodical, ensuring quality control, timely training for educators, and integration with updated curriculums as envisioned by the NEP 2020.
Looking Ahead: A Digital Future for Delhi’s Youth
Delhi’s smart classroom revolution is poised to reshape how education is delivered in government schools. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, trained teachers, and a vision rooted in inclusion, the initiative is expected to serve as a model for other states.
As the capital moves toward a tech-enabled academic ecosystem, students will be better prepared for future challenges—armed with digital literacy, interactive learning experiences, and a broader outlook.
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