DSEK shields Principal involved in ‘fraud’
Srinagar: The education department is once again in news for shielding its Principal involved in misappropriation of funds released under centrally sponsored scheme Rashtriya Madhiyamik Shiksha Abiyan (RMSA).
Besides, the Principal has used fraudulent means to conduct lower class exams of students in his school.
However, the accused Principal instead of facing department action has been given a plum posting and appointed as District Education Planning Officer in Anantnag district.
The accused in-charge principal was posted in Higher Secondary School (HSS) Seer Hamdan Anantnag.
According to official document and bank records, the Principal has used Rs 50000 RMSA grants for his personal use in schools, in violation of norms.
Out of the total, 25000 were to be utilised on minor development works in laboratories of the school while as Rs 10,000 were meant for purchase of books and other stationery items and Rs15000 were released for electricity, telephone and internet charges.
“But the Principal bought Chair and Table worth RS 38,500 for his office for personal use and deprived poor students from this facility,” an official said while giving reference of Cheque No. 1600813 and 1600814 transferred to Royal furnishing Anantnag and Super Sajawat Anantnag.
In another Cheque No. 1600815 the principal has withdrawn money illegally for personal use, added the source.
“Bu the tainted Principal deceived department by producing fake utilization receipts and justified that funds were utilised genuinely,” the official said.
Interestingly, State Project Director (SPD) RMSA vide his No. Edu/SPD/RMSA/5270-72/2017 on July 17 last year directed Chief Education Officer (CEO) Anantnag to furnish detailed report within two days but CEO hushed up the matter till his retirement. The CEO Anantnag attained superannuation in the month of December.
“It was ironical that CEO submitted report vide No.CEO/A/RMSA/Accts/31-199/17 dated August 10 citing that Principal managed to take loan for purchasing chair and table from RMSA grant which is illogical. It was an attempt to hoodwink the department about misappropriation of funds,” the official said.
Also, the in-charge Principal leaked the exam Paper of class 6th conducted by State Institute of Education (SIE) on July 2 last year following which his charge as complex head was taken and he was shifted to High School Seer.
“While his own inquiry is pending, the Principal has been entrusted with the job of enquiry officer of the department,” the official said.
Director school Education Kashmir GN Itoo said they will ascertain the details of the issue and probe the matter.
KV Correspondent
