Jalandhar government schools are reeling under a severe power crisis as prepaid smart meters disconnect electricity supplies once the allocated balance runs out. With the mercury soaring above 40 degrees Celsius, students and teachers are left without fans, lights, or air conditioning, making conditions inside classrooms nearly unbearable.
How Prepaid Smart Meters Work
The prepaid smart metering system, introduced by the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL), functions like a mobile phone recharge. Schools receive a fixed monthly electricity credit based on their sanctioned load and historical usage. Once this credit is exhausted, the meter automatically cuts off the power supply until the school or the education department recharges the meter.
Impact on Schooling
Several schools across Jalandhar have reported frequent power cuts, disrupting teaching and learning. In some cases, exams had to be postponed or conducted in dim light without fans. Students complain of dizziness and inability to concentrate due to the heat. Teachers are forced to cancel classes or move them to shaded areas under trees.
Key issues:
- Inadequate monthly credit allocation does not account for extreme weather conditions.
- Recharge process is cumbersome and often delayed due to bureaucratic red tape.
- Lack of awareness among school staff about how to monitor and recharge meters.
Official Response
PSPCL officials claim the system ensures efficient use of electricity and prevents wastage. They advise schools to monitor their consumption and request additional credit well in advance. However, school principals argue that the fixed credit is insufficient, especially during summer months when fans and coolers run for longer hours.
Call for Urgent Action
Parents and teachers have appealed to the state government to exempt educational institutions from the prepaid metering system or provide adequate subsidies to ensure uninterrupted power. The issue has also been raised in the local media, drawing attention to the plight of students in government schools who are already disadvantaged compared to their private school counterparts.
As the heatwave continues, the demand for a reliable power supply in schools grows louder. Without immediate intervention, the education of thousands of children in Jalandhar remains at risk.
