Pune: The electric distribution company Maharashtra Limited (MSEDCL) recently took a power supply of more than 1,800 schools in Pune regency for non-payment of RS 2,28 crore contributions.
MSEDCL also took electricity meters around 128 schools for the delayed bill.
Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP) Ranjit Shivare vice-president said Pendo was caused by the closing of the school because of Covid-19 and non-receiving grants from the center.
He said Local Panchayat was asked to help pay electricity bills for each school.
Pune ZP has 3,639 elementary school under its umbrella while around 2,680 secondary schools belonging to management or private trust.
“Electric meters from 128 ZP schools have been removed and subject to their power to more than 500 elementary schools.
During our review meetings, we learned that the central government grant (RS5,000-10,000) under Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan had not been given to school for the past year .
This is the money used by school to pay bills, among other contributions, “Shivare said.
“We have asked for each Gram Panchayats to pay off bills by installing wherever they can be in the next three weeks.
We will make a review again next month to check the status and decide for further action.
Pending electricity contributions are with RS Nada 2.28 Crore.
We were originally written to the government and electric boards to release the amount, but it might be impossible, “Shivare added.
A MSEDCL official said that it was true that electricity contributions increased in the rural part of the region that had resulted in the connection taken.
But now ZP officials say they will pay, the power connection will be restored, he said.
The official said that urban or corporate areas usually make consistent payments in connection with school dues and other civil facilities.
However, PendCy in rural areas in terms of school, water supply or street lights is generally high.