Ludhiana: The government schools are facing a security crisis as incidents of theft at the educational institutions are witnessing a surge owing to them remaining unguarded sans security guards.It has become difficult for the principals to ensure safekeeping of valuable equipment worth lakhs installed in smart classrooms. As there is a lack of funding, some schools have arranged funds for hiring security guards and peons on their own .The issue remains a matter of concern as the recent thefts have stripped the schools bare. They have been looted of electronics, LPG cylinders, mid-day meal (MDM) rations, utensils, DVRs, and CCTV cameras, and toys of pre-primary classes. Recently, Government Middle School (GMS) and Government Primary School(GPS), Harion Majra, were looted by burglars; electronics were stolen from GPS and GMS Chehlan; 3 quintals of iron rods was stolen from Government Senior Secondary School (GSSS), Manki, and GSSS, Baddowal; Government High School (GHS) Kotla Samspur, was looted of ration and toys. GMS, Sarvarpur and GMS, Gharkana also met with a similar fate. While an Edusat system was stolen from GSSS, Sahibana, an LCD was stolen from GHS Rajoor.An official from GHS Rajowal said, The burglars stole the LCD which had been installed in the school with aid from the community. We had reported the incident to the police but in vain. Therefore, we got CCTV cameras installed on campus the next day.Another school head said, We have recently installed an expensive smart board worth Rs 4 lakh and are planning to install two more next year. Every government school is paying for security guards on its own. We are accountable to the community as they have helped us revamp the schools, he added.Concerning theft of mid-day meal ration, an official said it could be a possibility that teachers or mid-day meal workers were involved.Meanwhile, the DPI on Tuesday floated a circular to fill the posts of security guards and campus managers in schools.Daljeet Singh, president of DTF, Ludhiana, said, Even the cops dont pay heed to the schools complaints. We demand thorough investigation so that the culprits can be caught and further incidents of theft can be prevented.Stolen equipment not replacedMoreover, neither is any official record maintained nor is the stolen equipment replaced by the government. The schools lodge FIRs and submit letters with block primary officers. An official from the education department said while the department gets such complaints frequently, they are not dealt with.

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