SSA funds not utilized properly in Bandipora


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Teachers demand probe, CEO assures investigations
Mir TariqBandipora, May 29: The teachers in this newly created district have alleged that the funds under Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) were not properly utilized by the Education department and have sought probe into the whole affair.
The teachers alleged that the funds for the purchase of kitchen items were spent in the last days of last financial year. They have alleged that the authorities purchased the sub standard items at excessive rates. "Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bandipora approved funds for the purchase of kitchen items in various schools under the SSA scheme,” said a teacher, pleading anonymity. He alleged that the authorities purchased sub standard items at higher rates. “This fraud should be investigated”, he demanded.The authorities had approved funds for six schools in Bandipora and Quil education zones but only three schools have received the funds for purchase of kitchen items in the district.“We received 50 plates for 215 students. All the plates are of substandard quality,” said a teacher in Middle School Sumlar. He added, “The officials have mentioned the purchasing rates of these substandard items and surprisingly the rates are much higher. The officials could have easily purchased the quality material from the money”.A teacher, Rashid Ahmad (name changed) said, “We have received some items including a drum from the authorities. The officials have mentioned the purchasing rate of drum as Rs 920 while the market rate for the same items is only Rs 600”.A teacher of Middle School Nathpora, pleading anonymity said that authorities are compelling them to receive the items, which are not required in the school. “We had purchased plates, spoons and cups last year and were in need of Gas Cylinder and gas stove but unfortunately these items were not provided to us,” he added.Sources disclosed that according to the norm, the officials had to handover funds for the purchase of kitchen items to a concerned teacher. “But the norm is not being followed and instead the teachers are forced to receive whatever is being purchased by the officials from the market”.It is pertinent to mention here that under SSA scheme, a school is provided an amount of Rs 5,000 to purchase items for kitchen items. “The officials, however, are distributing the funds according to their own choice,” said sources.Teachers from the Quil and Bandipora education zone have urged the government to investigate the matter and punish the officials, who misappropriated and mis-utilised the funds.When contacted, CEO Bandipora, Ghulam Rasool Ahangar told Rising Kashmir that the matter would be probed. “The teachers should come forward and identify the persons, who have not properly utilized the funds”.