Earlier, the department had initiated a public private partnership (PPP) as per which it had invited tenders for private bodies to take up the project to revamp playfields so that it could be utilised by students as well as general public at large.

“Work is already underway in two schools, Government Model High School in Sector 26 and Sector 40. In both the schools, a state of the art cricket stadium, complete with stands and a newly-laid pitch is being made. Not only school students but outsiders too will be given access to the playground, once the work is complete,” said P S Brar, assistant sports organiser of the UT Education department.

He added that the private agency working on the revamp of the playground at Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 32, has asked for an extension to complete the project, which is under consideration at present. 

According to Brar, the proposal had ‘failed’ to reach its final stages due to which they were unable to bring in more schools under the scheme. “The department has decided to reconsider the entire proposal. We intend to start the PPP scheme again but with revised conditions. Time stands to be the main problem as the organisations tend to delay work unnecessarily. Work will be handed over to only those agencies that will complete the work within the time limit set by us,” he said.