E-Paper
Rs 17 cr bungled on pretext of school construction in Madhya Pradesh
In what appears to be a major scam, Rs 12 crore was siphoned off by former sarpanchs of 63 village panchayats of the district in collusion with office-bearers of 275 educational institutions.
In what appears to be a major scam in the making, Rs 12 crore have allegedly been siphoned off by former and incumbent sarpanchs of 63 village panchayats of the district in collusion with office-bearers of the Parents-Teachers' Association (PTA) of 275 educational institutions.
Besides, teachers and headmasters of more than 200 schools have also been charged with withdrawing Rs 5 crore on the pretext of constructing building for school. District officials have now decided to lodge an FIR against sarpanchs, office-bearers of PTA, principals and headmasters if they fail to return money by December 29.
According to zila shiksha kendra officials, funds were earmarked for school building construction in Bhind district nine years ago. Sarpanchs of 63 village panchayats, in collusion with PTA office-bearers of 275 institutions, withdrew money but it was not utilised for this purpose.
Earlier this month, commissioner of the Rajya Shiksha Kendra, Rashmi Arun Shami, expressed displeasure over non-recovery of money from persons concerned following which notices have been issued to 63 persons, who are former or present sarpanchs of village panchayats and office-bearers of 275 PTA office-bearers asking them to return the money by December 29 or face penal action.
Project coordinator for Zila Shiksha Kendra, Bhind, DN Mishra, said 63 sarpanchs and office-bearers of 275 PTA had withdrawn money for construction of their school building but neither did they construct the building nor the amount withdrawn for the purpose was deposited back.
"They have all been asked to return the amount by December 29; otherwise we shall lodge FIR against them for fraud and criminal conspiracy. Similarly, principals and headmasters of 200 more schools had done the same thing. They have also been issued a similar notice," he said.
