Bhubaneswar: Authorities of government schools across Odisha have been asked to clear pending electricity bills within seven days.
In a communication, the Director of Elementary Education has directed all Block Education Officers (BEOs) to immediately clear outstanding electrici
ty dues of educational institutions and offices under the School and Mass Education Department.
Sources said the directive follows a note received from the office of the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, School and Mass Education Department.
In a letter marked “Most Urgent and Important”, the Director stated that block-wise allotment has already been released for payment of electricity dues of all Primary and Upper Primary Schools in the state. A copy of the allotment has also been enclosed with the letter.
BEOs have been asked to draw and disburse the allotted amount within seven days from the date of receipt of the letter. The letter warned that action as deemed proper will be initiated against defaulting officers if they fail to meet the deadline.
Officials said the move aims at ensuring timely payment of dues and prevent disruption of power supply to schools and department offices.