RTI reveals funds released for scholarship scheme misappropriated
7 Jul, 2013
An application was filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act seeking to get the status of the government scholarship to the students belonging to the scheduled tribes (ST) and scheduled castes (ST) in Jorhat district for the year 2010-11.
The reply to the application indicates a gross misappropriation of the amount released for the purpose of scholarship. The reply shows that though the funds worth over Rs. 14 lakh were allotted for the SC/ST scholarship, but not even a single student in the district received the scholarship. It has been alleged that the funds were misappropriated by government officials in the office of district elementary education officer.
As the matter was brought before the additional deputy commissioner, he termed the matter as ‘serious’ and has directed the district elementary education officer to immediately take punitive actions against the guilty officials and to submit the action taken report. Meanwhile, the applicant has demanded that funds be released afresh to the beneficiary students from the state exchequer.