The Punjab and Haryana High Court has imposed a ₹5 lakh fine on the Haryana government and summoned the principal secretary and director of secondary education for their negligence in addressing poor amenities in schools. The court was addressing a 2017 plea from villagers in Kaithal, demanding student safety from a dilapidated building declared unfit.
The court observed the government's insensitivity towards the lack of essential facilities in Haryana schools, emphasizing the need for rooms, electricity, toilets, and drinking water. It noted the absence of toilets in 538 girls' schools, highlighting the challenging conditions at the ground level.
The court found that the education department surrendered ₹10,675 crore in 10 years, remaining unutilized. This included ₹6,794.07 crore for state schemes and ₹3,881.92 crore under centrally sponsored schemes. The affidavit presented alarming statistics, revealing a shortage of classrooms and basic amenities in numerous schools.
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Expressing dissatisfaction, the court criticized the lack of planning and commitment in the filed affidavit. It demanded a timeline by December 15 for making basic amenities functional. The court's displeasure was expressed through a ₹5 lakh fine, to be utilized for the welfare of children's homes within 10 days. Administrative responsibility for the lapses remained a concern, with the court keeping the question of fixing responsibility open.
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