Bengaluru: In a major decision regarding improvement of infrastructure in Government schools, the State Cabinet which met here yesterday, decided to provide free power and water to Government schools and PU Colleges across the State.

Informing this at a press meet after the state Cabinet meeting here yesterday, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister H.K.Patil said, there are 46,829 Government schools and 1,434 PU Colleges in the State. Pointing out that, the Government would incur an annual expenditure of Rs.29.19 crore for this, he said that, hitherto, SDMCs (School Development Management Committee) were bearing the power and water bills.

The Government through this move, has considerably reduced the financial burden on schools, he added.

The other significant decisions taken at the meeting, included sanction for release of Rs.297.77 crore for development of Universities and comprehensive personality development of students of State-run Residential schools with support from Rotary Club.