Paying electricity bills major worry for govt school heads

Archit Watts

Tribune News Service

Muktsar, November 19

A large number of government schools in the state have not been able to pay their electricity bills on time.

Reason: The state government has not made any special budget for electricity bills and school heads have to manage it from amalgamated funds or take financial assistance from citizens.

Sometimes, the department gives token money to schools for clearing bills, which hardly serves the purpose. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), keeps on sending reminders to the District Education Officers to ask the school heads to pay electricity bills.

A government schoolteacher said, “We are yet to pay electricity bill amounting to Rs 55,000. Sometimes, the department gives money to pay the bills, which is usually between Rs 6,000 and Rs 10,000. There should be a proper budget for basic needs.”

Another teacher said, “There are hardly any funds available with primary and middle schools, because they don’t get a single penny from students. As a result, it becomes difficult for school heads to pay electricity bills. In comparison, high and secondary schools have funds and teachers can pay bills from amalgamated and PTA funds. Sometimes, we even take donations from local residents.”

Malkit Singh, District Education Officer, Muktsar, said, “There is no extra budget for electricity bills. Sometimes, we get money for this purpose and allot it to the schools as per their need. However, the school heads manage it at their own level.”