MCD-run schools need 70,000 more desks

New Delhi, Jan 18 (PTI) Schools run by MunicipalCorporation of Delhi (MCD) have a shortage of 70,000 desks and"bureaucratic inaction" is delaying the procurement.

The matter came to light at the MCD Standing Committeemeeting by its Chairman Yogender Chandolia today aftercouncillors raised the issue of shortage of desks in schoolsrun by the civic body.

"There is a shortage of about 70,000 desks in MCD schoolsand many children are studying by sitting on rugs since 2004,"Chandolia said.

He said the services of the previous agency which wassupplying desks was discontinued following a vigilance inquiryin 2004.

Efforts to procure desks from three government agenciesdid not fructify as the deal was rejected owing to either poorquality or high cost of desks, he said.

"Funds are not a problem. The issue is there is no effortto find a solution. This appears to be more a case ofbureaucratic inaction," he said.

An official said the delay was owing to proceduraltechnicalities which take time as several specifications suchas desk size, rate and overall cost have to be looked into.

The Standing Committee has directed MunicipalCommissioner K S Mehra to take action within three months.

Mehra has been asked to grant anticipatory approval andbegin the process of acquiring desks in a phased manner byApril by issuing tenders zone wise.