Schools in Ganjam to get electricity soon

BERHAMPUR: The Ganjam district administration has taken steps to ensure 100 percent electricity in all schools in the district by next one month.


"The government-run schools in the district will get electricity by the next one month. The cost for the purpose will be met from the district mineral fund (DMF)," said collector Vijay Amruta Kulange.

The initiative has been taken to provide the basic infrastructure facilities in all schools in the district, he added.

Soruces said 1,758 of the total 3,548 government-run schools in the district have no electricity at present. Most of them are primary and upper primary schools.

Southco Utility - the power distribution company which will provide electricity to the schools - has estimated the cost around Rs 2.40.

"We have already instructed the block development officers (BEO) to apply for the electric connection for the schools without electricity within a week," said district education officer (DEO) Sanatan Panda. The fund will be then given to Southco accordingly, he added.

Students face difficulty due to lack of electricity in the schools. Basic computer training for high school students could not be taken up because of it. "It's a welcoming step taken by the district administration," said former vice-chancellor of Berhampur University, JK Mohapatra. Quality education will also be ensured at the primary level, he added. Besides, the district collector has also instructed the BDOs to ensure drinking water and toilet facilities in all schools.