Ludhiana, Sept. 19 -- Private schools in the district have been asked to step in as sponsors for the upcoming Saras Mela at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), but many institutions are hesitant to release funds without formal instructions from the authorities.

On Thursday, the district education officer (secondary) held a meeting with school heads where they were informed about the state government's "Mission Chardi Kala" initiative. Under this, schools were requested to contribute between Rs.2 lakh and Rs.5 lakh each to support the mela, which is being promoted as a celebration of Punjab's culture and a fundraiser for flood relief.

Representatives from prominent institutions, such as BCM Arya Model School, Shastri Nagar; DAV School,...