Probe in UP over irregularity in science kit purchases

The project headquarters of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) has ordered a probe into the purchase of science kits for government-run upper primary schools after anomalies surfaced from three districts of the state.

The irregularities detected in Allahabad, Unnao and Shahjahanpur may just be the tip of an iceberg and may even lead to a wider scrutiny of procurement of science and maths kits at district level across Uttar Pradesh.

Project director of SSA Vedpati Mishra has set up a threemember probe teams each for the three asking it to submit its report after checking documents and visiting schools and offices.

For Allahabad, the threemember probe panel is being led by divisional assistant director (basic shiksha), Allahabad, Ramesh Kumar Tiwari. The team has been asked to submit its report by May 25.

The SSA ordered for a probe after the headmasters of staterun upper primary schools alleged that the officials of education department were violating guidelines.

The headmasters said the block education officers were preventing them from purchasing kits and were forcing them to hand over cheques to them. They alleged that the block education officers were handling the procurement process after receiving kickbacks.

Last year, the state government had released ₹42.53 crore to purchase science and maths kits for 52,980 junior high schools as well science kits for 745 Kasturba Gandhi residential schools in Uttar Pradesh.

The government’s move aimed at helping students grasp the concepts of these subjects. The procurement of kits had to be completed by September 30.

Releasing the budget as part of the learning enhancement programme, the state project director of SSA had issued orders for kits from approved firms. A total amount of ₹42.38 crore (₹8,000 per school) was released for the purchase of science kits while ₹14.17 lakh (₹1,900 per school) was released for maths kit.

All basic shiksha adhikaris (BSAs) were also instructed to set up five-member committees comprising school management committee’s president and secretary besides science or maths teacher and two active parents, including a woman, in every school. These committees were responsible for procurement of kits and its proper use.