Govt schools to open for art and cultural training: Sisodia

NEW DELHI: The Delhi government has decided to open its schools' doors for art, culture, dance training and the cabinet has approved in this regard, asserted Education Minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday. "Academies and NGOS running such courses/ programmes will be eligible to apply under this scheme. Delhi government and Sahitya Kala Parishad will select these academies under a prescribed eligibility criteria," he said.

Sisodia said after school hours, the government will allow these training programmes in its schools. "The academies will have to ensure that in their training classes, half of the total students will have to be from the respective school and they will have to be trained free of cost. These academies will be allowed to charge fees from others," he said.

The Cabinet also approved the Directorate of Education proposal to support school students for excellence in sports in Under 14 and Under 17 categories, asserted the Minister.

He said that Delhi government will provide financial assistance to eligible students up to Rs 2 lakh per year in Under 14 category and Rs 3 lakh in Under 17 category. Those preparing to compete in national and international sporting events will be eligible to avail this scheme.

"Apart from this, the government will provide medical and accident insurance of Rs 5 lakh each to eligible students. According to the Department estimate, at least 600 students in Delhi appeared to be eligible for this scheme and the number could be higher. An expert committee will finalise all other modalities and 14 sporting disciplines are to be included in this scheme," he said.