Keeping her promise of ensuring that education remains priority, Mayor Preety Agarwal has been conducting surprise inspections at schools under the North Delhi Municipal Corporation. Not just this, Ms. Agarwal has also been holding classes to help children understand the importance of cleanliness.
The Mayor, who had promised to focus on SSS — swachhta, shiksha and swasthya [sanitation, education and health], began these inspections from last Monday. She has already visited over a dozen primary schools around Civil Lines, Rohini and Model Town.
“These visits will ensure that schools take their job seriously. They should know that they can be visited any time, and can face action if the work is not up to the mark,” the Mayor said.
‘Kids are best messengers’
Talking about the classes she takes, Ms. Agarwal said they were a way of getting the children to focus on the importance of hygiene and sanitation. “Children are the best messengers. By educating them, we educate their families and neighbourhoods,” she added.
According to the Mayor’s staff, her aim is to visit at least four schools each day. She starts early and visits two schools before reaching her office at the Civic Centre. Later, around lunch time, she makes more visits. “I have formed a bond with these children. I was touched when they asked if they could call me bua [aunt]. Even when I meet them at an inauguration or regular visits, they run up to greet me,” she said.