Day before lapse of Rs.170 crore project, Himachal CM still hopeful

Shimla, March 30 (IANS) Just a day before the lapse of a centrally-funded Rs.170 crore project, which would have enabled 1,500 schools in Himachal Pradesh to become computerised, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Monday told the assembly that the issue would be sorted out in this fiscal.

"We will sort out the matter before the close of this financial year," he said.

Raising the issue after question hour, Leader of Opposition Prem Kumar Dhumal expressed concern that the central fund meant for 2014-15 would lapse if the government did not sign the agreement in this financial year.

The chief minister said Himachal Pradesh had received the first installment from the central government for the information and communications technology (ICT) project for state-run schools. "Further funding is likely to be received," he said.

Two-time chief minister Dhumal said the ICT project of Rs.170 crore was sanctioned by the central government for 2014-15 for 1,500 schools -- 850 high schools and 600 senior secondary schools -- for setting up information technology (IT) labs.

He said the money was to be released in 75:25 ratio for 2014-15.

"But if the agreement is not signed within this financial year, the money would lapse," Dhumal said, asking the government as to what steps it would take to ensure that the project is executed without fail in the interest of the students.