Delhi to Launch AI and Robotics Revolution in Government Schools, Inspired by Gujarat Model
In a bold step toward transforming education in the national capital, Delhi Education Minister Ashish Sood has announced the implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Smart Classrooms across government schools. This announcement came during Sood’s recent visit to Surat, Gujarat, where he assessed advanced educational initiatives already in place in the state's schools.
Sood’s declaration signals a major policy shift intended to align Delhi's education system with 21st-century technological advancements, inspired by Gujarat’s successful implementation of modern classroom tools.
Delhi's Vision for AI and Robotics-Driven Education
Speaking to media in Gujarat on Saturday, Ashish Sood laid out his plan to introduce cutting-edge education infrastructure in Delhi’s government schools. The model includes:
- Smart boards in classrooms
- AI and Robotics labs
- Hands-on exposure to emerging technologies like drones, 3D printing, and sensor-based systems
According to Sood, these technological upgrades will significantly raise the bar in public education and give Delhi students a competitive edge.
“An advanced system featuring AI, robotics, and smart boards will soon be introduced in Delhi's schools,” Sood said, expressing confidence that the initiative would elevate both the quality and relevance of education in government institutions.
Direct Critique of AAP’s ‘Delhi Model’
In his address, Sood looked at the previous Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration, calling their much-touted “Delhi model” of education a failure. He accused the former education leadership of focusing on self-promotion while ignoring actual infrastructure development.
Highlighting the disparity, Sood said, “Despite being the country's capital and having access to all the resources, Delhi’s government schools currently have just a few hundred smart boards. In contrast, Gujarat has established over one lakh smart classrooms while dealing with challenges like recurring floods.”
He also referenced the legal troubles of the former Delhi Education Minister, stating that the "self-proclaimed model" collapsed under poor governance and scandal.
Lessons from Gujarat: A Model of Educational Modernization
Sood’s visit focused on learning from Gujarat’s success in implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He toured Suman High School Number 6 in Udhna, managed by the Surat Municipal Corporation, to directly observe how smart classrooms and technology labs function in practice.
Key takeaways from the visit include:
- Interactive Learning: Sood attended classes using smart boards and interacted with students and teachers to understand how the technology enhanced classroom engagement and knowledge retention.
- AI and Robotics Lab: He visited the school’s AI and Robotics Lab, where students demonstrated practical projects on drones, 3D printing, and sensor-based security systems.
- Student Interaction: The minister personally encouraged students, praised their technological skills, and emphasized the need to replicate such practical exposure in Delhi schools.
“The way Gujarat has integrated NEP and created tech-driven learning environments is commendable. Other states, including Delhi, must take inspiration,” Sood remarked.
Focus on NEP 2020 Implementation
The initiative aligns closely with NEP 2020, which emphasizes hands-on learning, tech integration, and multidisciplinary education from an early stage. By bringing AI and robotics into government school curricula, Delhi aims to implement the NEP vision more holistically and equitably.
Sood acknowledged Gujarat’s successful application of NEP ideals and highlighted that exposure to real-world technology from a young age fosters student innovation and confidence. His goal is to prepare Delhi's youth not only for academic excellence but also for the future of work, which is increasingly shaped by automation, machine learning, and tech innovation.
Institutional Participation and Administrative Support
Sood’s visit to Surat was also marked by significant institutional engagement. He was accompanied by:
- District Education Officer of Surat
- Officials from the Municipal Primary Education Committee
- District Primary Education Officer
- School administrators and other key personnel
Their presence underscored the collaborative nature of Gujarat's education reforms and reinforced the importance of administrative alignment in replicating such models elsewhere.
What This Means for Delhi Students
The new initiative promises far-reaching benefits for students in Delhi’s government schools:
- Better Learning Tools: Smart boards and digital content can transform traditional chalk-and-talk methods into interactive, multimedia-rich experiences.
- Real-World Skills: Hands-on training in AI, robotics, and coding will give students practical knowledge that is directly relevant to modern careers.
- Equitable Access: Previously limited to private schools, these technologies will now be available to all students, bridging the digital divide.
- NEP Integration: The move supports NEP’s goals of inquiry-based, practical learning with a focus on creativity and innovation.
Conclusion: From Critique to Change
Delhi’s education system is poised for a technological leap, as Education Minister Ashish Sood pledges to transform government schools into innovation-driven learning environments. Inspired by Gujarat's education reforms, this AI and robotics initiative marks a paradigm shift from the previous model. It signals a new era in public education—one where students are equipped not just with knowledge, but with the tools and confidence to lead in the digital future.
If implemented effectively, this plan could redefine the capital's education narrative—from controversy to capability, outdated methods to futuristic learning.
