The guardians of children studying in Chidiapali High School of Jagannathprasad block in Ganjam district have brought serious allegations of corruption and misappropriation of funds against the headmaster of the school, Pratapchandra Jatia.
The parents of the students alleged that Pratapchandra who hails from the same village has been working in the school for the last 26 years, but did nothing for the development of the school.
They alleged the headmaster has siphoned off lakhs of rupees sanctioned to the school for the mid-day meal and other schemes. The parents also expressed discontent over the mismanagement in the school.
Reportedly, the parents had lodged a complaint with the school committee regarding the irregularities. However, the headmaster was absent from school when the members of the school committee reached the institution for an investigation.
"The headmaster is asking children to bring masks and sanitiser from their home when the government is supplying the items to school. He is stocking the items meant for the use of children," alleged Arati Rana, one of the parents.
"We are unable to know the details of the money coming under various schemes of the government for the school," said Sushant Gouda, the president of school committee.
Meanwhile, the Block Education Officer of Jagannathprasad Block has assured an investigation into the allegations and promised to take action against the headmaster if found guilty.
"I will conduct an investigation into the corruption allegations against the headmaster and take action accordingly," said Pramod Kumar Rout, Jagannathprasad BEO.
He also assured to convene a meeting of parents and teachers to discuss other problems of the parents.
(Edited By Ramakant Biswas)