Pvt help for schools’ health

Amitabh Shukla

New Delhi, November 1

The Government has finally been prodded into action. Following widespread criticism that government-owned schools lack even basic facilities, it has decided to hand over 1,000 schools to a third party for maintenance and upkeep.

The Infrastructure Lease and Finance Services Limited (IL&FSL), in which the Centre has a significant stake, has been assigned the task of maintaining schools. The money being paid to the PWD would now go to this company.

Sources said modalities for the transfer were being worked out. The draft of the new policy will be sent to the finance and law department for clearance. It will have to be finally approved by the Delhi Cabinet.

Financial details regarding the amount to be given to the company per school would be worked out soon. The company made a presentation to chief minister Sheila Dikshit and other ministers in this regard earlier this week.

Though the IL&FSL is keen on taking over all Delhi schools immediately for upkeep, the government plans to introduce the concept gradually, sources told the Hindustan Times. "Initially a few schools would be chosen and then we can give the contract of all schools," an official said.

The contract would be for a period of five years, subject to renewal. "The proposal would now be implemented only from the next academic session," an official pointed out.

Asked to explain the reasons for outsourcing maintenance of schools, an official said the PWD had its own priorities and projects. "We will now have one dedicated company to look into the nitty-gritty of school infrastructure. It would be answerable to the education department," he said.

Govt can't manage its schools

• Govt schools in tin sheds: 50
• Without boundary walls: 20
• Without toilets: Nearly 50 per cent
• Number of teachers needed: 3,400
• Principals: 209
• Desks and blackboards are in a poor condition in most govt schools; some don't have enough books; none in Delhi is disabled-friendly

But there’s hope:

• Porta cabins for schools without proper structure or toilets. DSIDC already on the job
• Increased budgetary allocation of Rs 122 crore

The pitfall:

At present, principals can sanction up to Rs 1 lakh a year on infrastructure works. After outsourcing, they may not have this power