On June 23, the Uttarakhand High Court banned the purchase of luxury items by the state government until the state-run schools are fully- equipped with basic amenities. A day after the court banned the purchase, top officials were summoned by the court for the explanation on the financial constraints in the improvement of the educational sector.
The fact that providing all facilities in one go will put a lot of strain on the state’s finances is acknowledged, given to which, the court has only directed that the basic amenities be provided for the moment. The court had summoned the Principal secretaries in finance and education.
With Justice Rajiv Sharma and Justice Alok Singh at bench, it was held that benches, tables, sanitation and clean drinking water are the basic and most important amenities which must be provided first. With the increase in the water-borne diseases like jaundice, it is specially important to take good care of providing clean drinking water.
The court spelled that a budget of Rs 100 crore will be more than satisfactory to cover the expenses for providing basic necessities as a first step. Advocate General SN Babulkar has declared to pursue the matter at the higher level.
The court stated that given the summer season the government can buy items like water coolers and other necessities subject to clearance from the Principal Secretary concerned.