Asif Iqbal Naik
Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 8 : The inquiry committee constituted by Chief Education Officer Doda Ajeet Kumar Sharma to probe the embezzlement and flouting of norms by Zonal Education Officer Thathri into the construction of School Building under centrally sponsored scheme Sarva Shiksha Abiyan (SSA) has indicted ZEO Thathri guilty of embezzlement amounting to over 60 lakhs.
As per the details available with Early Times, the issue came to fore few weeks ago after concerned headmasters and departmental officials brought the matter into the notice of CEO Doda that the said ZEO without taking the signatures of headmasters of various schools including Upper Primary School Jagote, Bhella, Ghoroo, Middle School Tipri, Phigsoo, Primary School Bhendoga and other schools had withdrawn the bills. On the basis of complaints, CEO Doda on 20th February 2015 constituted five member committee comprising Nek Ram, Principal H S S Chiralla, Abdul Latief Butt Principal H S S Jatheli ,Parshotam Lal Principal H S S Dessa, Mushtaq Ahmed Junior Engineer and K D shah Auditor SSA , who after conducting an inquiry submitted its report to CEO Doda wherein the enquiry committee found that ZEO Thathri Fareed Ahmed Fani had withdrawn Rs 12 lakhs illegally on account of under construction school buildings , beside withdrawn Rs 8 lakhs cash illegally on account of SSA teachers training, while cash should be deposited into the accounts of trainee teachers through bank invoices. When contacted CEO Doda confirmed that the report of committee found ZEO Thathri involved in various misappropriations, and that the same report was forwarded to State Project Director SSA for further necessary actions. When contacted, Project Director SSA Shameem Ahmed Leharwal said that the inquiry committee to probe the allegation was framed on the government directions and after receiving the inquiry committee report, the same has been forwarded to the government for appropriate action.
"We have submitted the inquiry report--- Action has to be taken by the government" said Project Director SSA.
Meanwhile the sources said that ZEO Thatri with the help of some officials in the education department is knoching at the doors of politicians to impress upon the Minister for Education Naeem Akhtar forego any punitive action against him. |
