MCD schools to host skill training after class hours

 New Delhi

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has approved a plan to open its school premises for vocational training and skill development programmes after regular school hours, Standing Committee Chairperson Satya Sharma announced on Friday.

A proposal for the initiative was presented during Thursday’s Standing Committee meeting. “The idea is to make better use of existing school infrastructure while promoting government-led skill development schemes in collaboration with reputed institutions, NGOs, and agencies,” said Ms. Sharma. A similar proposal to utilise underused community centres had been approved earlier.

Currently, the MCD operates 1,514 schools housed across 1,186 buildings and serving nearly seven lakh students. Many of these schools function in a single shift, leaving classrooms and facilities vacant for the rest of the day. 
“By opening these spaces between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., we can create opportunities for vocational training that empower youth and women,” an MCD official said.

According to a letter dated August 14 from the MCD Commissioner to the Education Department, the civic body will “bear no financial responsibility for trainers or resources”, and partner institutions must also remove all equipment daily after use.

The proposal outlines that only organisations implementing government schemes such as the Skill India Mission, Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, Jan Shikshan Sansthan, and the SANKALP Scheme, or those funded under Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives by public sector units, will be eligible to use the school premises.

Eligible institutions must apply to the MCD Commissioner with details of sanctioned funds and registration under relevant statutory bodies. Upon approval, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed through the Director (Education). Permissions will initially be valid for one year and may be extended based on performance reviews.

Electricity and water expenses will be covered by the partner institutions, while the MCD will retain ownership rights over all assets, the proposal stated.