Hyderabad: Students of the Government Girls Junior College in Nampally have to work in darkness, literally, due to the abrupt suspension of power supply by the electricity department. This has sparked outrage among students, parents, and faculty members alike.
The crisis began on Monday last when the college found itself in darkness, with the power supply severed by the electricity department. According to the Nampally division assistant engineer, the reason behind the drastic action was the non-payment of bills amounting to Rs 36,000. "This sudden disruption in power supply has thrown the institution into chaos, with students and forced to hold classes in the dark," said Principal Pitambar Durga. She laid the blame at the doorstep of the education department, alleging that the school had received Rs 20,000 as against their requested budget of Rs 60,000 for this quarter.
“The dire consequences of this budget shortfall have left the college struggling to maintain basic services, a request I have been making for several months now," Durga told Deccan Chronicle.
Durga added that the college building is 70 years old, and does not have proper ventilation. "With no power, our biometric systems are non-functional, making it difficult for teachers to mark their attendance. Students can't sit comfortably, can't use washrooms, and there's a growing fear of mosquitoes during the dengue scare."
A student lamented, "A couple of my classmates have skipped school because there's no point in coming to school in the dark." Her sentiments were seconded by a teacher who revealed that teaching solely from textbooks using the light of a mobile phone has become increasingly difficult. Their situation had worsened during rainy days this week, leaving both students and educators struggling to cope.
When questioned about this grave situation, TSSPDCL director of operations Srinivasa Reddy J., expressed ignorance regarding the matter. "We usually do not cut power to government schools or colleges as we understand that financial constraints are often beyond their control. We will investigate the issue and if it turns out to be true, will ensure immediate power supply," he told Deccan Chronicle.
