Lucknow, Feb. 5 -- Laboratories of some government-aided intermediate colleges cut a sorry figure even as practical examinations for Class 12 students are set to kick off on February 9.

While Aminabad Inter College, which Lucknow Municipal Corporation manages with the help of corporate social responsibility funds, houses laboratories that resembled no less than those in private schools, the facility at Harishchandra Inter College narrated a tale of negligence.

Similarly, laboratories of some other intermediate colleges that run on government aid or with the help of local political figures also didn't inspire much confidence during a visit by this reporter for this report.

At Harishchandra, the chemistry lab has been shut for several ye...