NEW DELHI – The Delhi government will procure 10,000 dual desks for its schools from the Tihar jail factory. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced the decision on Tuesday, stating the move directly addresses a critical furniture shortage in government schools. This initiative also aims to create employment and rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.
Financials and Quality Assurance
The total estimated cost for these 10,000 dual desks stands at approximately Rs 8.95 crore . This figure encompasses all transportation and other ancillary expenses related to the procurement. The Delhi Education Department has already allocated Rs 20 crore in its 2025-26 budget, specifically designated for purchasing essential school furniture and other necessary items.
Chief Minister Gupta confirmed the procurement decision was finalized during a recent cabinet meeting. She specified that all desks would be supplied at the proposed rates, which are inclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST). The quality of furniture manufactured by the Tihar jail factory is reported to be comparable to standards met by the Public Works Department (PWD). Furthermore, these desks are projected to be approximately 25 percent more economical than current market prices, offering a significant cost saving.
Dual Objective: Education and Rehabilitation
This decision aligns with directives issued by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. During the third national chief secretaries’ conference, the Ministry emphasized the crucial role of inmate rehabilitation and their engagement in productive activities. Chief Minister Gupta highlighted that this procurement initiative directly supports the government’s broader objectives for inmate reform, skill development, and successful reintegration into society upon release.
The Chief Minister reiterated that enhancing educational facilities for Delhi’s students remains a paramount goal. Simultaneously, this program establishes a robust avenue for skill development and sustained employment for inmates. The Delhi government expects this integrated approach to strengthen both the education system and its ongoing social reform efforts, demonstrating a commitment to systemic improvement.
Addressing Delhi’s School Furniture Shortage
Education Minister Ashish Sood reported that Delhi operates a comprehensive network of 1,086 government schools . The capital has experienced a consistent and significant increase in student enrollment figures in recent years. This growth, coupled with the ongoing construction of new classrooms, has directly led to a substantial shortage of dual desks across the entire school system.
To accurately assess the actual requirement, the Education Department conducted a special survey campaign in April. During this extensive exercise, school principals, district deputy directors, and regional directors submitted detailed reports on furniture needs. The initial findings of this survey identified an immediate and pressing need for 23,321 dual desks across 127 government schools .
Subsequent requests received from other schools further increased the total estimated demand to nearly 25,000 desks . The Delhi government plans to address this extensive furniture requirement in a phased manner. The current procurement of 10,000 desks represents the critical first phase of this comprehensive strategy to equip all students adequately.