No computer in labs built through Vajpayee fund

“Funds were given only for the construction of computer labs and their electrification. Providing furniture and computers was not a part of the proposal,” said Kaushal Raj Sharma,Chief Development Officer of Lucknow,who is supposed to release funds and monitor the project.

The labs were sanctioned for the junior high schools at Jawahar Nagar,Naubasta,Aurangabad,Aminabad and Nirala Nagar. An amount of Rs 7 lakh was released in July last year and work began soon. Construction was completed at four schools within months and is nearing completion at the Jawahar Nagar school.

At Nirala Nagar school,the lab is used as a store for keeping stationery and books of the primary section. “We needed a place to store books and this room was lying vacant,so we are using it,” said Prem,in-charge of the stationary section.

The school has no electricity connection,same as the school in Aurangabad. “The computer lab is locked and not in use,” said principal Suresh Chandra. In Aminabad and Naubasta also,the lab buildings are locked and remain unused. Said Sharma,“We were not asked to install computers. However,I will look into the matter now.”

DC Kanaujia,Director of Basic Education,said,“Unless the labs are handed over to us,we cannot install computers.”

Lalji Tandon,the Lucknow MP,who projected himself as inheritor of Vajpayee’s legacy during the election campaign,was at a loss too. “I don’t know anything but will look into the matter.”