Government Middle School in Chadri. Pix: Manik Bose

Ranchi, Aug. 20: Chandan Kumar, a student of Class VII of Government Middle School, misses his computer lessons. He had become proficient in handling computers and enjoyed the practical knowledge. But now the computers are inaccessible.

The ambitious computer learning programme running in the government school is suffering due to frequent power cuts and outstanding electricity bills.

Sponsored by the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, computers were first installed in Government Middle School, Chadri, following the “hole in the wall” concept in November last year. The objective was to encourage children to learn computers without the help of teachers. The total cost in installing computers with touch screen facility in the school was Rs 2 lakh.

The programme was further extended to Albert Ekka Middle School, Namkum, Middle School Pandra and Middle School Ratu as well. Sources said these schools are facing a power crisis as well.

Other schools were to be brought under the plan too, but the state authorities stopped at four. And now IT learning is being affected.

Government Middle School has an outstanding electricity bill of Rs 10, 000 and authorities said that the state has not allotted any money to bear the expenses.

“We have written to the Jharkhand Education Project Council (JEPC) three times, asking them for funds. But there has been no response from their side,” said Government Middle School principal Ajay Kumar, adding that an allotment should be made at the end of each year.

Installed in November 2008, the computers were only accessible till March 2009.

“If we failed to understand a class lesson, we studied it on the computer. And it would be fun and easy to comprehend. But now we are helpless. I request the authorities to restart the lessons,” Chandan said.

The principal said he has to frequently dodge questions by students. “We beg for answer,” he said.

However, JEPC officials assured that they are in the process to renew their contract with Delhi-based Hole In The wall Education Limited for the maintenance of computers.

“We understand that the concept has been a success. We are looking into it,” an official said.

Government-run Kasturba Gandhi Residential Schools, too, are unable to make the most of the state-sponsored computer lessons, though due to different reasons.

“We had started computer learning in 187 of the 198 Kasturba Gandhi Residential Schools last year. But we couldn’t carry on due to space constraints,” said a JEPC official, adding that the money allocated under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan is largely being utilised for other projects.