- By Shibra Siddiqui
- Fri, 11 Apr 2025 03:02 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The inauguration of a toilet at a government school in Ghunas village, under Bhadaur constituency in Barnala, sparked controversy as local and opposition leaders labelled it as a publicity stunt. The event took place on April 9, which was promoted as part of the state’s ‘Sikhya Kranti’ campaign. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Labh Singh Ugoke was invited as the chief guest.
The picture of the plaque mentioned that the work on the washroom has been completed, which went viral with users criticising the MLA and the AAP government, terming it hollow propaganda.
“If the government had upgraded the school to Class 10 or 12, that could’ve been called an education revolution but inaugurating old toilets is nothing more than drama,” locals were quoted by Hindustan Times.
According to the report, Shiromani Akali Dal’s Bhadaur in charge Satnam Singh Rahi said: “This school was built during the Akali Dal’s tenure, and yet, we never laid foundation stones for toilets. The AAP government is now laying stones for projects already completed and presenting them as new achievements. This is the first time in 70 years that foundation stones are being laid for toilet repairs.”
The report further quoted Labh Singh Ugoke, saying, “I don’t understand why this is being trolled, as if building toilets isn’t important. In addition to toilets, several other developments were carried out—plaques for those are also in place. We constructed a smart classroom and developed a playground. It’s my responsibility to showcase the commendable work our government has done.”
Education Dept Bans Such EVents
After facing backlash over the toilet inauguration, the Punjab education department on Thursday asked schools to refrain from holding inauguration ceremonies for toilet repairs.
The department, in a circular issued to all district education officers and school heads, said laying foundation stones for small repair works, especially in schools, was ‘unwarranted’ and could lead to ‘misinterpretation of government efforts’.
