Will ensure best education possible for all dalit kids: Delhi CM

NEW DELHI: Honouring 22 Dalit students of Delhi government schools who have scored more than 90% marks in Class XII with certificates and shields, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that he has vowed to fulfil Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar’s dream that every Dalit child should get the best education.
“We are celebrating and acknowledging the bright and young minds that were present with us on stage today. Earlier, no one wanted to send their kids to government schools. Now, they are excelling and scoring over 90% in their exams,” Kejriwal said during a ‘pratibha samman sammaroh’ organised by the Delhi government on Saturday as part of the celebration of Prakatosav of Maharishi Valmiki at Thyagaraj Stadium.
“Both BR Ambedkar and Lord Valmiki teach us that the only way to be successful, to flourish, is through education. Babasaheb dreamt for each and every Dalit child to get the highest quality of education. I promise to you all that it is my solemn resolve to realise his dream,” he said.
“This year, 2.5 lakh students have made the shift from private schools to government schools! Additionally, aspiring lawyers, doctors, engineers looking to attend coaching for the various competitive exams face a large fee barrier, which our government has ensured to pay for,” Kejriwal said.
“We have also ensured a loan of up to Rs 10 lakh for higher education without any collateral, which in case of failure to repay would be taken care of by the Delhi government,” he said, adding that after graduation, if a student wants to pursue masters or doctorate abroad like Babasaheb Ambedkar but can’t afford it, the Delhi government will pay for it.
“What this country’s leaders could not do in 70 years, I will make that happen and ensure that every Dalit child gets the best possible education on offer,” he said.