JAMMU: In a significant order, the State Vigilance Commission (SVC) on Wednesday sought Action Taken Report from Secretary, Education Department to clarify whether the funds under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme have been utilized in accordance with norms and guidelines laid down under the scheme by the concerned officers.
While proceeding on a complaint against one Field Officer of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, J&K, in connection with bungling, gross irregularities and misuse of official position in purchase of various gadgets meant for official purposes viz. Photostat machines, Gensets, laptops, mobile phones, TV sets, Refrigerators, etc. by the said officer, the SVC had called a report from the Directorate of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan which revealed that domestic items like Radio Sets, Water Geysers, Fans, Lunch Boxes, Brief cases, mobile phones etc. have been purchased from SSA funds from time to time since 2007 and utilized for personal benefits of the officers/officials including some personal staff members of the then Minister and have not been returned by them till date, which tantamount to mischief and criminal breach of trust on part of concerned public servants.
Accordingly, the Additional Secretary to the Government, Education Department was summoned in the Commission alongwith Action Taken Report, who appeared in person and sought some more time to submit the detailed report.
The SVC, while taking serious note of the issue, directed the Additional Secretary to Government Education Department for submission of Action Taken Report by or before next date of hearing, mentioning therein whether these items were purchased from SSA funds, in accordance with the laid down guidelines/norms and the persons to whom these items were issued and also whether these persons have been issued any other similar items under other funds available with the Government/Education Department and also give the present status of those items.