Punjab’s only Sainik School in Kapurthala is in a state of neglect. Courtesy: Government apathy.
Though the Union government had been releasing grant for the school, the state government has failed to issue its share, thus, the school authorities have been forced to return the central share for the past two years. The state has given only Rs 1 crore to the school in the past three years.
The prestigious educational institute had also not received scholarship funds for 2014-15 and 2015-16 sessions.
“The school raised a demand of Rs 3.5 crore for the current session from the state government, but as of now we have not received a single penny,” Sainik School principal Capt Shakti Sharma said.
Not the academic loss, the shortage of funds is also affecting the maintenance of the school building — 100-year old Jagjit Palace —which has developed cracks. Some of old doors and pillars have already collapsed.
The public works department (PWD) has prepared an estimate of Rs 12 crore for the restoration of the palatial school building.
During a recent visit to the school, deputy commissioner Jaskiran Singh declared the school library unsafe and asked for its closure. When contacted, director, public instructions, Punjab, Balbir Singh Dhol said: “I will look into the release of grants on priority.”