Transformer dispute stalls ‘School of Happiness’ project

A 100 kVA transformer installed within the premises of Government Elementary School, Dhaliwal Dona, has become the center of a dispute between the education department, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and the local panchayat, delaying the transformation of the school into a ‘School of Happiness.’

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The school was selected under the state’s ‘School of Happiness’ initiative, which aims to enhance the learning environment by upgrading infrastructure and providing recreational facilities. A grant of Rs 40 lakh was sanctioned by the education department for the school’s redevelopment. While progress has been made with classroom renovations, laying of interlocking tiles and modifications to the building, work on developing the school grounds and installing swings—worth Rs 6 lakh—has come to a standstill.

The core issue lies with the transformer’s location within the school grounds. Sources say the issue has been unresolved for over eight months. Concerned about students’ safety and the impact on development work, the education department wrote to PSPCL last year requesting the transformer’s relocation to a safer area outside the school compound.

In December, PSPCL officials, including senior engineers, visited the school and prepared a detailed plan for relocating the transformer. The relocation was approved, and necessary materials were delivered to the school. However, the actual work has yet to be completed due to objections from the local panchayat.

A teacher, speaking on the condition of anonymity, explained the situation: “We’ve received funding to redevelop the school and students were supposed to benefit from a new playground and modern swings. But for the past six months, equipment and cables meant for relocating the transformer have been lying unused in the classrooms.

The panchayat’s continued objections, seemingly driven by personal motives, are stalling the entire project.”

District Education Officer (Primary), Kapurthala, Mamta Bajaj, confirmed the delay. “We had earlier written to PSPCL requesting the urgent relocation of the transformer. Work under the ‘School of Happiness’ project is progressing, but this issue is creating a major obstacle.

I will raise the matter with PSPCL officials once again to ensure it is resolved quickly,” she said.

Inder Pal Singh, Superintending Engineer, PSPCL, Kapurthala, explained, “The transformer is located at the far corner of the school compound. Our team inspected the site in December and approved the relocation plan. However, we are unable to proceed with the execution due to opposition from the village panchayat and local residents.”

Binder Kaur, Sarpanch of Dhaliwal Dona, defended the panchayat’s position, stating that the transformer is situated approximately 150 to 200 meters from the school building and does not pose a threat.

“We have constructed a boundary wall near the transformer to ensure student safety. The transformer supplies power to agricultural motors in nearby fields and villagers are strongly opposed to its relocation. PSPCL’s plan to move it to the main road would put people crossing by in danger. Instead of shifting the transformer, the playground can be developed on the other side of the school,” she said.