Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Allegations of large-scale irregularities in the school education system in Punjab’s Sangrur district have triggered a complaint before the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), with claims of fake student enrolments, fabricated attendance records and alleged diversion of funds meant for Scheduled Caste students.
According to the complaint and allegations raised by political leaders, scholarships, food funds and school grants were allegedly claimed using records of students who were either not studying in the schools or had already left. The complainants have sought an investigation into the alleged misuse of government funds and accountability for officials found responsible.
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Speaking to India Today, NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana confirmed that the commission had received complaints regarding the matter.
“Yes, we have received complaints regarding this,” Makwana said, adding that the commission would take “the strictest action” in the matter.
Makwana said the commission had received multiple complaints concerning similar allegations in the past, including claims of fund siphoning and embezzlement.
“We are very serious regarding such things,” he said, while alleging that the AAP government was “playing with the future of SC students in the state”. He also alleged that SC professors were being harassed in Punjab.
The allegations have also drawn sharp political reactions from the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal.
BJP leader Tarun Chugh alleged that the AAP government’s claims of an “education revolution” in Punjab had been exposed by what he described as a major financial scam in Sangrur. He alleged that thousands of fake students had been enrolled and false attendance records created, with scholarship funds allegedly being misappropriated.
Chugh called for the NCSC to take immediate cognisance of the matter and demanded a time-bound and impartial investigation to establish responsibility.
Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia also alleged that fake students and attendance records were being used in Sangrur schools to claim scholarships, food funds and grants. He alleged that funds were claimed in the names of students who had left school, thereby depriving poor SC students of benefits meant for them.
The allegations come as the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government faces questions over the functioning of the state’s education system and the utilisation of funds earmarked for disadvantaged communities.
The NCSC’s response could now determine whether the allegations lead to a formal investigation or further action by the commission.
If established, the alleged use of fake enrolments and attendance records to draw scholarships, food allocations or school grants could raise serious questions over financial controls and the implementation of welfare schemes intended for SC students.
The allegations, however, are yet to be independently established, and the findings of any investigation will be crucial in determining the extent of the alleged irregularities and fixing responsibility.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
