More than a year following the launch of the Punjab government’s prominent “Sikhya Kranti” initiative, teachers in various districts continue to face delays in receiving reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses related to the program. This campaign, introduced by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration in April-May of the previous year, involved the inauguration of over 25,000 projects within government schools, with many of these initiatives receiving individual granite plaques, even for minor repairs such as boundary walls, toilets, and classrooms. In certain institutions, multiple plaques bearing the names of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Education Minister Harjot Bains, and local MLAs were displayed.
As part of the initiative, educators were tasked with organizing inauguration events for visiting ministers and MLAs, which resulted in personal expenditures for items such as tents, refreshments, sound systems, and promotional materials. The opposition criticized the campaign as “Udghatan Kranti,” accusing the government of leveraging educational infrastructure for political gain. In response to this backlash, the government mandated that only a single plaque should be installed for all projects midway through the 54-day initiative.
An order from then Education Secretary Anindita Mitra stipulated that schools would receive Rs 5,000 for each granite plaque, with reimbursement for event expenses categorized as Rs 5,000 for primary and middle schools, Rs 10,000 for high schools, and Rs 20,000 for senior secondary schools.
Despite these provisions, many teachers from districts such as Barnala, Ludhiana, Fatehgarh Sahib, and Moga reported ongoing issues with reimbursement more than a year later. They indicated that the education department failed to provide funds in advance, compelling them to cover costs personally. In numerous cases, teachers pooled their resources to manage expenses, which has complicated the reimbursement process further. The education department now intends to send the approved funds directly to vendors, who are expected to reimburse the teachers once the government payments arrive.
Harkeet Singh, a vendor from Khamano in Fatehgarh Sahib, noted that he supplied granite plaques to approximately 70 schools in the region but had yet to receive payment from the government. He stated, “Each stone cost around Rs 3,500-4,000. Teachers paid me from their own funds. I will return the money to them once I receive it from the government.”
A head teacher from a primary school in Bhadla village, Khanna, mentioned that the school incurred about Rs 6,000 for the plaque, snacks, and event arrangements. “We had to pay the vendors ourselves since no one extends credit for even basic supplies these days. We were told that the vendors would be reimbursed after bills were submitted, but despite multiple follow-ups with the district education authorities, our reimbursement is still pending. Why engage in such a political PR stunt if there is no budget?” the teacher expressed.
Most teachers who spoke with The Indian Express wished to remain anonymous due to concerns of potential repercussions from the department. They expressed frustration over the expenditures they incurred under official directives.
In Aspal Khurd village, instructors revealed that three plaques were installed, and over Rs 20,000 was spent on the associated arrangements. “Later, we were informed that only the schools visited by the minister would receive funds. Is it our fault if the minister did not show up? We were prepared to welcome him or any other MLA,” a teacher remarked.
In Rajgarh village, four teachers combined their funds to meet vendor payments during an inauguration attended by AAP MP Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer. “We have yet to receive our reimbursement. Vendors claim they haven’t seen any payments come through,” a teacher stated.
Similar grievances were reported from Moga and Ludhiana. One teacher in Moga mentioned their school spent around Rs 9,000 for a plaque and the inauguration attended by local MLA Amandeep Kaur Arora, while another in Jandi village, Ludhiana, reported spending Rs 30,000 for two plaques. In Gag Kalan, Ludhiana, a teacher highlighted that over Rs 25,000 was spent on a single inauguration, which faced delays resulting in additional costs for tent and sound system arrangements. “Vendors started demanding payment, leaving us no choice but to cover the costs ourselves,” the teacher recounted.
A teacher from Ramgarh Bhullar village reported submitting bills four times for a plaque and related publicity materials without receiving reimbursement. A senior official from the Education Department acknowledged that while a significant number of bills had been processed following the release of Rs 12.25 crore by the government, some payments were still outstanding.
Deputy District Education Officers from Ludhiana and Barnala both stated that they were unaware of any pending bills in their districts but committed to investigating the matter further. Punjab Education Secretary Sonali Giri remarked, “If there are any pending bills, schools should inform us.”
Divya Goyal serves as a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Ludhiana, Punjab. She is recognized for her compelling human-interest narratives and thorough investigative reporting on social and political matters within the region.
