Himachal Pradesh High Court has reprimanded the government over the delay in releasing funds for school infrastructure. The court has warned that if the funds are not released by the next hearing, the Education Secretary will have to appear in person.
Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the State Education Secretary to appear in person. This order will come into force if the state government fails to comply with previous instructions to release funds for school infrastructure.
High Court expressed displeasure over delay in funds
Hearing the PIL of Atul Bhardwaj versus State of Himachal Pradesh and others on July 22, a division bench of Chief Justice GS Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C Negi took note of a letter dated July 21, 2026. In this letter, the court was told that a proposal of Rs 3,003.94 lakh (Rs 30.04 crore) has been sent to the planning department. However, despite the fresh demand for funds, the Planning Department returned the proposal to the Education Secretary raising some queries, which the department is currently resolving.
Order for personal appearance of Education Secretary
The High Court expressed dissatisfaction over the delay, noting that its order of June 2, 2026 has not yet been complied with. The bench made it clear that if the necessary action is not completed by the next date of hearing, the Education Secretary of the Government of Himachal Pradesh will have to appear before the court in person. The next hearing of the case has been fixed for September 7, 2026.
Petitioner’s counsel Nitya Sharma, appearing through video conferencing, argued that despite previous directions of the court, the order has not been complied with as the proposal for release of funds is pending with the planning department. The state government was represented by Additional Advocate General Gobind Korla, while the Union of India was represented by Deputy Solicitor General Balram Sharma and Assistant Advocate Rajeev Sharma. (ANI)
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