On the one hand, Tamil Nadu’s Sports Development Minister and DMK scion Udhayanidhi Stalin is preparing for the Formula 4 (F4) streetcar races, which are set to take place in the heart of Chennai on 31 August and 1 September 2024. On the other hand, the government is facing criticism over its handling of school finances. The Dravidian model government is accused of not ensuring that schools have paid their electricity bills since taking office, exacerbating the already severe revenue shortfall for the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TNEB).
The accusation of non-payment of electricity bills involves two government-run primary and elementary schools in Keezhadi, Sivaganga district.
The primary school has an outstanding electricity bill of approximately ₹47,121, with arrears amounting to ₹43,111. The elementary school owes ₹65,603, with arrears of 55,400, although its current monthly bill is only between ₹3,000 and ₹4,000.
This discrepancy is due to years of unpaid electricity bills, which have accumulated into a substantial debt. The Tamil Nadu Education Department has been criticized for not taking responsibility for the unpaid electricity bills. When questioned about these dues, the department has shifted blame to other departments. This evasive stance has frustrated TNEB officials, who lament the lack of accountability and the failure to address the growing arrears.
Critics argue that if similar situations are found in other schools, TNEB’s total loss could be around ₹300 crores. If one adds government-run Anganwadis and libraries to this assessment, the total loss could rise to approximately ₹650 crores.
Furthermore, critics believe this issue extends beyond schools to other government offices and argue for a comprehensive audit. They also question the rationale behind DMK honoring former CM Karunanidhi with statues and pursuing high-profile Formula 4 race events while TNEB struggles with significant arrears.
(With inputs from Maridhas)
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