Punjab Sikhya Kranti Ground Report: Inauguration done, plaque installed, but “repaired toilets” in Ludhiana school still under repair

The ground reality, nearly 10 days later, however, is that the “the repair and renovation” is far from complete.

The day Bagga “inaugurated” the structure, two curtains had been installed at the front of the “repaired toilets” to conceal the incomplete work as they did even had the doors. The curtains since then have been removed. Bang opposite the “repaired washrooms”, students are using the old, stinking toilets.

Similar was the condition of two “repaired classrooms”. Cemented walls and gravel on the floor is all that classrooms have as of now- as the school continues to run in double shift due to shortage of rooms.

Incomplete structures of toilets and classrooms which were inaugurated under Sikhya Kranti drive. (Express Photo)

Speaking to The Indian Express, Aradhana Baghla, principal, said that they had received orders from the education department that the plaque should be installed reading that the work has been completed.

On the inauguration day, the incomplete structure was concealed using curtains which were removed later. The plaque installed reads that the work has been inaugurated after completion. (Express photos)

“We only obeyed the education department’s orders. The washrooms were covered with curtains as doors are yet to be installed and work is ongoing. Classrooms are also yet to be completed but we held the inauguration ceremony as per orders,” said the principal.

Asked why the school was running in double shift, she said: “We have over 700 students from classes 6 to 12. But rooms are not enough so class 6 to 10 are taught in the morning and classes 11, 12 in the evening. Even after two new rooms get functional, we will still be short of rooms. We are using labs also as classrooms due to lack of space”.

Contacted, Bagga said that he was “under the impression” that the work has been completed. “Even if it’s not completed, what is the issue in installing the stone? I will get it checked and get the work completed soon. One classroom has already been completed while rest will be done soon,” he added.

Cemented walls and gravel on the floor is all that classrooms have as of now- as the school continues to run in double shift due to shortage of rooms. (Express Photo)

The AAP government on April 7 launched a 54-day ‘Sikhya Kranti’ as part of which about 25,000 small and big projects worth Rs 2,000 crore are to be inaugurated in 12,000 government schools till May 31, with each work including repairs having a separate plaque with the name of CM and education minister. The drive courted controversy with Opposition terming it as “Udghantan Kranti (inauguration revolution)” and a “ribbon-cutting” campaign for “toilet repairs”. Following backlash, teachers were last week ordered not to get plaques made for toilet works.