Education Reform Drive Begins In Goa As Arvind Kejriwal Launches Free E-Library For Students

Goa marked a significant step in its education journey on 25 February 2026, as Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal inaugurated a new e-library for students at the Our Lady of Patrocinio Community Centre in Benaulim. The initiative has been launched by MLA Captain Venzy Viegas with the objective of ensuring modern and high-quality educational access for every student in the state.

During the inauguration, Kejriwal emphasised the central role of learning in national progress, stating, "Good education is true nation-building."

Free digital resources for every student

The newly launched e-library has been developed as a comprehensive academic support hub. It provides access to more than 10,000 e-books and offers digital learning tools for students across different classes.

Key features of the facility include:

• Video lectures and concept-based simulations
• Practice modules for school-level subjects
• Test preparation support for JEE, NEET, CLAT and more than 40 competitive examinations

Importantly, the entire service is completely free of cost. The aim is to bridge the gap between students from economically weaker backgrounds and those studying in well-funded private schools by offering equal access to quality academic resources.

Education challenges in Goa

The initiative comes at a time when Goa's education infrastructure is facing several challenges. The number of government schools in the state has declined from 906 to 789 in recent years. Of the approximately 1,487 schools operating in Goa, 238 are functioning with only one teacher handling all responsibilities.

The shortage of teaching staff and limited resources at many institutions have raised concerns about the quality of education available to students. In this context, the e-library is being viewed as a supportive intervention that can supplement classroom learning and provide students with additional academic tools.

Learning from Delhi and Punjab reforms

AAP leaders connected the Goa initiative with the party's education reforms first implemented in Delhi and later strengthened in Punjab.

In Punjab:

• Nearly 90 percent of government schools have been equipped with smart classroom facilities
• The state secured the top position in the National Achievement Survey
• 234 principals and education administrators were sent to Singapore for specialised training
• 216 primary teachers received training at Turku University in Finland
• 199 headmasters underwent training at IIM Ahmedabad
• 1,908 campus managers and 1,316 security guards were appointed to improve school management and safety

The party maintains that its education policy focuses on bringing government schools on par with private institutions. It believes that children from poor and middle-class families deserve high-quality education that can open doors to better employment opportunities. Education, according to the party's vision, is not merely about earning degrees but about transforming lives.

A reform effort beyond political power

Although AAP does not form the government in Goa, the party's representatives say the e-library demonstrates that meaningful change can begin even without being in power.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from students and parents, who expressed hope that prioritising education would strengthen both society and the state.

Supporters described the project as more than just a digital platform. They see it as a reflection of a broader belief that education should be placed above politics and recognised as the most powerful instrument of development.

The launch of this e-library in Goa sends a clear message that quality education is the right of every child and that with strong intent and focused policies, government institutions can also emerge as centres of excellence.