Mumbai, Oct. 1 -- An external inspection of Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) schools has identified major repair requirements in 254 institutions and minor repair needs in another 667. Toilets emerged as one of the main infrastructure concerns across the civic body's schools, with deficiencies also reported in gates, boundary walls, electrical systems and fire safety arrangements.

The inspection covered 1,460 of the corporation's 1,488 schools during the last week of August and the first week of September. Overall, around 921 schools were found to require either major or minor repairs, according to departmental data and officials familiar with the exercise.

Toilet-related deficiencies accounted for a substantial portion of the findings. Major repairs were required in 112 schools, while 466 needed minor toilet repairs. The condition of main gates was also assessed, with 50 schools requiring major repairs and 318 requiring minor work.

Repair work has begun on several issues, including building defects, toilets, gates and boundary walls. Heads of schools receive annual funds for minor repairs, and the corporation is releasing allocations for the current academic year, while files for major works have been sent to the Engineering Department.

The inspection also examined drinking water, cleanliness, sanitation, furniture, fans, lighting, first aid and safety arrangements. It reviewed teaching and learning practices, attendance, learning outcomes, foundational literacy and numeracy programmes, co-curricular activities and school-community participation.

The cross-zone exercise involved principals and school heads serving as inspecting officers, supported by mentors. The MCD Education Department has created a digital inspection report to consolidate observations and monitor corrective action across zones. Where buildings are considered dangerous or potentially hazardous, the civic body begins the process of developing replacement school buildings.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.