New Delhi: The Delhi government has approved the supply of 10,000 desks manufactured inside Tihar Jail for government schools across the national capital. Officials confirmed that the production work is in its final stage and the first batch will be dispatched to schools within days.
According to senior officials in the Education Department, the move aims to address the shortage of classroom furniture reported in several schools during inspections conducted earlier this year.
The desks are being manufactured at the Tihar Jail factory unit, which operates under the prison department’s vocational and rehabilitation programme. The unit is known for producing durable school furniture for government institutions.
An official said the desks are cost-efficient, quality-tested, and can be produced in bulk on short notice, making Tihar the preferred choice over private suppliers.
The Directorate of Education (DoE) will distribute the desks in a phased manner.
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A senior DoE officer said schools where students were sharing desks or sitting on the floor will receive the first allocations.
The desk procurement is part of the government’s broader plan to upgrade infrastructure in Delhi’s government schools. The department has already initiated repair work, classroom renovation, and replacement of old furniture across multiple districts.
Authorities said improving basic facilities remains a priority, especially with increasing enrollment in government schools.
Tihar Jail officials state that the prison industry programme provides inmates with hands-on training in furniture making, welding, carpentry, and machine operations.
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Officials added that the desks being supplied have undergone durability and quality checks.
Principals from several Delhi government schools have welcomed the decision. Many said that the Tihar-made desks are sturdy, long-lasting, and affordable compared to market alternatives. They expect the new furniture to ease congestion in classrooms and provide a better learning environment for students.
With the final rounds of production underway, the arrival of 10,000 Tihar-made desks marks a significant step in strengthening infrastructure across Delhi’s government schools. The Education Department aims to complete distribution in the coming weeks, ensuring all schools have adequate seating facilities before the next academic session.
