Mon Jan 27 01:52:03 IST 2025: **Delhi Voters Weigh Education Reforms Against Other Concerns in Upcoming Assembly Elections**
NEW DELHI, January 27, 2025 – As Delhi gears up for Assembly elections on February 5th, the “Delhi model” of education reform championed by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is facing mixed reviews among voters. While some credit the AAP with significant improvements in government schools, others prioritize other issues like infrastructure and economic concerns.
The AAP, which has touted its educational achievements for years, saw its former Education Minister Manish Sisodia replaced by current Chief Minister Atishi in February 2023. While Sisodia is contesting from a different constituency, the state of schools remains a key topic in his former constituency of Patparganj and in the CM’s constituency of Kalkaji.
Parents interviewed expressed both satisfaction and apprehension. Kalpana Das, a resident of I.P. Extension, praised improvements in schools but voiced concern over the recent shift from the CBSE to the DBSE curriculum, fearing potential drawbacks for college admissions. Conversely, Chanda Devi, a long-time resident of Kalkaji, highlighted the dramatic infrastructure upgrades in her daughters’ school.
However, the focus isn’t solely on education. Irshad Ali, a Patparganj resident, stressed the importance of civic infrastructure alongside education and healthcare. In Kalkaji, businessman Puneet Singh cited inflation and currency devaluation as major concerns. Even in Jangpura, a traditionally AAP-stronghold, voter Ramesh Saini prioritized fixing roads, sewage, and water supply. He suggested that only a Sisodia victory might shift the focus back to education.
The upcoming election thus reveals a complex picture. While the AAP’s education reforms have garnered significant praise, their impact on voters’ choices will depend on a multitude of factors, reflecting the diverse concerns of Delhi’s electorate.
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