Ludhiana: Grant withdrawal leaves govt school infra projects in limbo
In a setback to the ongoing infrastructure projects in government schools across the district, unused development grants have been withdrawn by the education department.
The grants, which were allocated for the academic year 2024–25 to support smart school initiatives and infrastructure development, were withdrawn by the end of the financial year, on March 31. Since then, no funds have been released for completion of undergoing work, leaving construction sites deserted and vendors unwilling to resume without payments.
At Government Primary School, Giaspura, over ₹15 lakh in grant money was withdrawn, bringing building work to a standstill. 'The construction of new rooms and facilities was in full swing, but ever since the grant lapsed, it has been halted completely,' said Sukhdhir Singh Sekhon, officiating head teacher of the school. 'We are nearing two months without any clarity on when the funds will return.'
Several other schools with large-scale infrastructure plans have also been affected. One school principal, who requested anonymity, said vendors are refusing to proceed without clearance of dues. 'It becomes extremely difficult when teachers are asked to manage payments or answer for delays. It's not only financially draining but also humiliating,' the principal added.
The land allocated within school campuses for construction of classrooms, libraries, and smart facilities now stands unused as the work has been further delayed.
When contacted, Anil Matharoo, the district coordinator of the Smart School project, admitted that some schools with ongoing infrastructure projects had been affected. 'The proposal to reissue the withdrawn grants has already been submitted to the central government. We are hopeful that the funds will be released soon,' he said.
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Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Grant withdrawal leaves govt school infra projects in limbo
In a setback to the ongoing infrastructure projects in government schools across the district, unused development grants have been withdrawn by the education department. The grants, which were allocated for the academic year 2024–25 to support smart school initiatives and infrastructure development, were withdrawn by the end of the financial year, on March 31. Since then, no funds have been released for completion of undergoing work, leaving construction sites deserted and vendors unwilling to resume without payments. At Government Primary School, Giaspura, over ₹15 lakh in grant money was withdrawn, bringing building work to a standstill. 'The construction of new rooms and facilities was in full swing, but ever since the grant lapsed, it has been halted completely,' said Sukhdhir Singh Sekhon, officiating head teacher of the school. 'We are nearing two months without any clarity on when the funds will return.' Several other schools with large-scale infrastructure plans have also been affected. One school principal, who requested anonymity, said vendors are refusing to proceed without clearance of dues. 'It becomes extremely difficult when teachers are asked to manage payments or answer for delays. It's not only financially draining but also humiliating,' the principal added. The land allocated within school campuses for construction of classrooms, libraries, and smart facilities now stands unused as the work has been further delayed. When contacted, Anil Matharoo, the district coordinator of the Smart School project, admitted that some schools with ongoing infrastructure projects had been affected. 'The proposal to reissue the withdrawn grants has already been submitted to the central government. We are hopeful that the funds will be released soon,' he said.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Time of India
Bains inaugurates infra devp projects in Sri Anandpur Sahib govt schools
1 2 Patiala: With a focus on providing top-notch facilities to the students, the Punjab school education minister Harjot Singh Bains inaugurated infrastructure development projects worth over Rs 1.49 crore in govt schools of Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency under the Sikhya Kranti initiative. Addressing the gathering, Bains said the development projects worth crores are currently underway in govt schools and will be completed shortly. He added that supplementary grants amounting to crores will also be allocated to rural area schools, ensuring they are all equipped with modern facilities. He inaugurated development works worth Rs 17 lakh at PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Massewal, while the Government Primary School, Jeowal received Rs 40 lakh under the Holistic Development Plan. Government Primary School, Massewal underwent repairs costing Rs 7.51 lakh, among others. He highlighted that govt schools are now equipped with comprehensive facilities, including security guards, campus management systems, transportation services, Wi-Fi connectivity, state-of-the-art science labs, well-stocked libraries, modern furniture, dedicated staff rooms, spacious classrooms, administrative offices, accessibility ramps, and more. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The place-to-be for automation and robotics Undo Relevant topics from automation, AI and robotics Undo Valuable contacts with international exhibitors Undo Fresh input at the top-class supporting program Undo The leading trade fair for automation & robotics Undo These amenities, previously limited to private or model schools, are now accessible to students in govt institutions, bridging the gap between public and private education, he added. Bains reviewed ongoing projects in the school premises. He also highlighted a positive trend of increasing girl student enrolment, citing Massewal School's statistics of 321 girl students compared to 312 boy students, showcasing improved gender parity. Bains mentioned the establishment of a 'School of Happiness' in Lakher, providing quality education to children from the Changer region without lengthy commutes. Additionally, he noted that a 'School of Eminence' is being constructed in Kiratpur Sahib at a cost of Rs 12 crore. MSID:: 121343697 413 |
Hindustan Times
14-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Ludhiana: Response sought from four unrecognised schools
The district education officer (elementary education) came across several private educational institutions operating without the mandatory recognition under the Right to Education (RTE) Act during surprise checks on Tuesday. The exercise was aimed at cracking down on unrecognised schools, officials said. Notices were issued to Maa Sharda School, Bright Future School and Gopal Vatika School, all in Giaspura, besides another branch of Maa Sharda School in government flats, said district education officer (elementary) Ravinder Kaur. The schools have been asked to submit their responses in two days and further action will be taken accordingly, officials said, adding they discovered that none of these schools had applied for RTE recognition and also they were sans documentation from the district education office. The DEO said, 'The inspection revealed alarming conditions. Students were being taught in overcrowded and poorly ventilated rooms with inadequate furniture. Many classrooms lacked basic infrastructure, such as desks, clean drinking water and hygienic toilets. There was also a clear absence of trained teachers, raising concerns about the quality of education being provided.' 'Many of the students enrolled in these institutions were over the age of 15 and still studying in primary-level classes, a violation of age-specific provisions under the Right to Education Act,' she said. Alongside the inspections, the education department also pushed forward with its 2025-26 school admission campaign. The DEO led the campaign at government flats in Giaspura, creating awareness among parents and local residents. The campaign resulted in over 102 children being enrolled in Government Primary School, Lohara, and 19 more at Government Primary School, Giaspura, on the spot. 'The appeal was met with a positive response as many parents agreed to shift their children to government-run institutions, recognising the need for quality and regulated education,' said Kaur. The inspection and admission drive were supported by key education officials, including Vishal Mittal (MIS coordinator), Major Singh, Baldev Singh (Sudhar), Rajinder Kumar, Swarnjeet Kaur (CHT, Dhandari Kalan School), and Avtar Singh (Government Primary School, Lohara).
