Rooftop solar power plants installed in 4,238 Punjab schools: Arora

New and renewable energy resources minister Aman Arora on Thursday stated that Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has installed rooftop solar power plants at 4,238 government schools with a total capacity of 21.19 megawatt

Chandigarh : New and renewable energy resources minister Aman Arora on Thursday stated that Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has installed rooftop solar power plants at 4,238 government schools with a total capacity of 21.19 megawatt.

New and renewable energy resources minister Aman Arora on Thursday stated that Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) has installed rooftop solar power plants at 4,238 government schools with a total capacity of 21.19 megawatt.

“After the installation of the solar plants, PEDA provides five-year annual maintenance contract (AMC) to schools. The maintenance is carried out by the vendor who installs the solar power plants,” Arora said during the question hour. He was responding to Sanour MLA Harmit Singh Pathanmajra’ question whether the government proposed to transfer the repair of solar panels in government schools to PEDA.

The minister appealed to all members to stay abreast of the working condition of rooftop solar power plants in government schools and inform in case they find any deficiency in repair.

‘2,500 ETT teachers to be given job letters’

Education minister Harjot Singh Bains stated that 2,500 ETT teachers will be given appointment letters by the chief minister on April 1, and out of which, 700 of them will be deployed in Hoshiarpur district.

The minister was responding to Chabbewal MLA Ishank Kumar’s question regarding teacher-less primary, elementary and secondary schools in his constituency and by when the vacant posts in these schools will be filled. Bains also said that there was no teacher-less school in Chabbewal constituency. “There are certain vacancies in 119 primary, 23 elementary and 42 secondary schools, which will be filled after these 2,500 are deployed,” he said. Kumar, while thanking the minister, contradicted his claim, stating that as per latest data, there were 33 teacher-less schools in the area and requested him to fill up these vacancies.

Shortage of labour inspectors

Labour minister Tarunpreet Singh Sond, while responding to a query in the state assembly, assured that the shortage of labour inspectors in the state will be addressed soon.

In response to Budhlada MLA Principal Budh Ram’s question, the minister informed the House that the recruitment process for 52 labour inspectors is currently in progress and is expected to be completed soon. He stated that the labour department has sanctioned posts of 95 Labour Inspectors, of which only 35 positions are currently filled. “Due to this shortfall, existing inspectors are required to manage multiple circles in addition to their designated postings, posing challenges in ensuring their physical presence in every assigned jurisdiction, he added. The minister further stated that the Punjab Subordinate Services Selection Board has already conducted a written examination for 52 posts on March 9, 2025. Upon completion of the recruitment process, the department will be strengthened with 52 newly appointed Labour Inspectors, significantly improving service delivery and regulatory oversight, he said.