3,700 govt schools in TN face internet loss over ₹1.5 cr bill

AT a time when the state government is promoting smart classrooms and hi-tech labs across schools in Tamil Nadu, more than 3,700 high and higher secondary government schools may lose their internet connection as they have not been able to settle outstanding bills worth ₹1.5 crore to BSNL.

- SUBASHINI VIJAYAKUMAR @Chennai

A majority of these 3,700 schools, which account for 50% of the total 6,223 high and higher secondary schools in TN, have not paid their internet bills for the last two to three months, mainly due to lack of funds.

A school education department circular sent to chief education officers of all districts said the hi-tech labs in these 3700 schools are equipped with Fibre to the Home (FTTH) connections under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme and BSNL, in a letter from its Tamil Nadu Telecom Circle, had warned of service suspension if the dues are not paid by Saturday.