The Haryana government has granted administrative and financial powers to heads of government schools, allowing them to carry out repair and maintenance works worth up to Rs 1 lakh without seeking prior approval from the headquarters. This move is aimed at ensuring quicker resolution of basic infrastructure issues in schools.
Details of the New Powers
As per the new directions, school heads can independently undertake works including cleanliness, drinking water facilities, toilets, boundary walls, and minor structural repairs at their level with an annual ceiling of Rs 5 lakh. Officials stated that the decision was taken to address long-pending issues at the school level without bureaucratic delays.
Instructions from Education Department
The additional chief secretary of the education department, Vineet Garg, instructed schools to promptly identify gaps in infrastructure and fix them on a priority basis. He said, “Wherever possible, expenses for these works should be met from the child welfare fund in accordance with existing rules. The school management committee has been authorised to take decisions regarding the use of these funds, eliminating the need to send proposals to the headquarters for smaller works.”
In cases where sufficient funds are not available in the child welfare fund, schools can route proposals through the district education officers or district elementary education officers to the headquarters for approval. Once approved, the works will be executed at the school level through a local purchase committee by obtaining quotations, ensuring transparency in spending.
Extension of Teacher Deputation Period
In a parallel decision, the education department has also extended relief to teachers working on deputation in government schools. The deputation period for primary teachers, trained graduate teachers, post graduate teachers, headmasters, and principals—who were deputed with approval from the competent authority and the chief minister—was extended until June 30.
Officials said this extension applies to those who have not yet been relieved from their parent schools, allowing teachers to continue at current schools and avoid sudden transfers, ensuring that academic activities are not disrupted.
