Education must go beyond degrees, equip students with practical skills: Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday inaugurated the Centenary Academic Building, Computer Centre and Skill Development Centre at Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, and emphasised the importance of technical knowledge and practical skills alongside formal education in making students self-reliant.

"The purpose of education is not merely to earn a degree but to equip young people to face life's challenges and stand on their own feet," she said.

A former student of the college, Ms. Gupta recalled that her journey in public life began when she became general secretary of the college students' union. She said it is a matter of satisfaction that she now has the opportunity to address, on a larger scale, issues she had once raised for students' welfare.

During her visit, she inspected the Faculty Reading Room, seminar room, Shri Ramalaya in the library, and the recycling and bakery units on the campus. She also discussed the need to renovate the college auditorium and assured the institution of her support.

Women's safety

Speaking about women's safety, Ms. Gupta said work is under way to install one lakh smart LED streetlights across Delhi and connect them to a Control and Command Centre. The system would help identify faulty lights and facilitate repairs within a stipulated timeframe, reducing dark spots and improving public safety.

She said work is also under way on a plan to install 50,000 new CCTV cameras to strengthen surveillance. Both projects were announced by the Chief Minister in the Budget presented in March this year.

She said the proposed smart streetlights would be connected to a Control and Command Centre, enabling authorities to identify faulty lights and ensure their repair within a stipulated timeframe.

Gupta said women's safety should not rest solely on women and called for a change in societal attitudes. Instead of imposing restrictions on girls, she said boys and men should be taught to respect women.

She launched the 'Miss DRC Talent Hunt' to encourage students to showcase their abilities and participate in extracurricular activities.

Students of the Mahila Vikas Samiti demonstrated self-defence techniques during the programme. Appreciating their efforts, Gupta said such training helped girls prepare for difficult situations while building confidence and courage. She urged students to speak up against harassment and intimidation, trust their judgement, make their own decisions and pursue their chosen paths without fear.