Controversy over invite to NGOs to adopt schools

Sanjeev Singh Bariana

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 21

Close on the heels of the controversy regarding privatisation of government health centres in the state, an old communication of the Education Department surfaced today, asking people to adopt government schools.

The undated letter of the Director General School Education has requested NGOs, charitable trusts and benevolent persons “to adopt schools to address their critical infrastructure needs and to work with them for improving the overall school performance”.

Former minister Bikram Majithia said, “Even the message to adopt schools by NGOs is not healthy. The government is, indirectly, opening the doors for privatisation of school education. If everything has to be provided by private parties then what is the purpose of our teachers and the existing infrastructure. We will oppose this.”

Programme incharge for the scheme Dr Maninder Singh Sarkaria said, “The interested NGOs, trusts, firms and companies were asked to express their intentions on email (adoptgovtschools@punjab.gov.in) in September 2018. We had sought support for setting up smart classrooms, constructing new ones, labs, toilets, providing books, furniture, sports kits and RO systems.”

Sarkaria added, “We are not giving our schools to anyone. We are only seeking help. This was done based on the feedback from NRI friends who were willing to make contributions on condition of recognition of their effort and accountability on expenditure of their money. Our list has names of 25 donors who send money and also participate in other school activities. In fact, we are considering giving another advertisement seeking help of outsiders.”