Under the scheme, more than 50,000 students of the government schools were to visit Pushpa Gujral Science City in Kapurthala to enhance their knowledge of everyday science.

However, till date, no student has been taken to the science city. The scheme was launched on January 24, 2008, but the funds for it were not sanctioned till November. Under the scheme, 75 per cent of the money was to be spent on transportation and the rest on entry fee.

After ten months’ correspondence, the government sanctioned the amount, but the Planning Department is yet to clear the budget for the Education Department. If this grant of Rs 1.25 crore is not utilised by March 31, it will lapse.

Records show that a large number of private schools have been visiting the science city, and of the more than two lakh student visitors, from March to December 2008, less than 15 per cent were from government schools.

With examination season round the corner, it would be difficult to utilise the grant, said an officer of the Education Department. Director (Administration) and Assistant DPI (Secondary) Dr Ajmer Singh said the money has been sanctioned, but the budget was yet to be cleared by the Planning Department.