New Delhi, September 05 (H.S.): Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday felicitated 116 teachers and principals for their contribution to the education sector and said that efforts to transform the city's school education system must begin by addressing basic infrastructure and essential facilities.

Speaking at the Shikshak Mahakumbh Award event held at Thyagraj Stadium on Teachers’ Day, Gupta said the government was working to improve the condition of schools by addressing fundamental deficiencies that directly affect students and teachers.

She highlighted the need to ensure proper sanitation, adequate water supply and better-maintained school buildings as part of the government's broader education reform efforts.

The Chief Minister said repair and maintenance work was being undertaken across schools. The measures include repairing toilets, improving water facilities, whitewashing school buildings and carrying out other essential civil works.

Gupta stressed that meaningful education reform cannot be achieved without providing students with a safe, clean and functional learning environment. She said the government was committed to strengthening school infrastructure alongside improving the overall quality of education.

The Shikshak Mahakumbh was organised as part of Teachers’ Day celebrations on Saturday, September 5. Teachers and principals were recognised for their dedication and contribution to improving education and supporting students.

The emphasis on school infrastructure is also consistent with the broader national focus on strengthening access to quality education. The Ministry of Education's Samagra Shiksha programme supports states and Union Territories in improving school infrastructure, classrooms and other facilities while promoting equitable and inclusive education.

According to the latest UDISE+ 2025-26 data cited by the Ministry of Education, Delhi has more than 63,000 teachers at the higher-secondary level, along with thousands of teachers serving students at the primary, upper-primary and secondary levels.

Teachers’ Day is observed across India every year on September 5 to commemorate the birth anniversary of former President and eminent educationist Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar