Haryana Government on Sunday maintained that the Punjab and Haryana High Court has expressed its satisfaction with an affidavit filed by the state’s School Education Department regarding significant progress in providing basic facilities in schools across the State.
Expressing satisfaction over the Department's commitment to basic facilities in the State schools, the Court has granted an exemption to the concerned officers from personal appearance, said the government official spokesperson.
Spokesperson said that the affidavit outlines successful implementation of necessary facilities related to toilets and electricity connections in both boys and girls schools.
The School Education Department, in its affidavit, has highlighted the allocation of budget for the construction of additional classrooms and other essential rooms, accompanied by a detailed timeline for completion of these vital infrastructure projects. Moreover, the Additional Chief Secretary, School Education Department, has assured the Court that the issue of teacher vacancies in schools is being addressed as a top priority. A comprehensive report on the recruitment process and the status of vacancies in the state's schools will be presented before the court at the next hearing scheduled for February 2, 2024.
Spokesperson added that due to unforeseen circumstances, a new affidavit could not be presented during the previous hearing. In response, the High Court issued an interim order on November 23, 2023, directing the rectification of school deficiencies. Subsequently, all identified shortcomings, including provision of drinking water, toilets for boys and girls, and electricity facilities, have been addressed.
Haryana Government, demonstrating its commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure, allocated Rs 580 crore to the School Education Department out of the total required amount of Rs 1,738 crore. To date, the Department has sanctioned approximately Rs 302 crore from the allocated budget, with approximately Rs 167 crore disbursed to the relevant contractors and construction agencies, the spokesperson added.
