Massive corruption alleged in construction of 5T schools across Odisha

Though crores of rupees have been spent for the transformation of 5T schools in Odisha during the tenure of the previous BJD government, several schools under the initiative are languishing in dilapidated conditions across the State. It has been alleged from several quarters that a huge amount of money has been swindled by the BJD leaders through the initiative only by painting colours in the school buildings.

Take the case of Sangrami Bali Pujari High School under Umerkote block in Nabarangpur district which happens to be the area of Mass Education Minister. 

Though Rs 55 lakh was spent from the sanctioned amount of Rs 60 lakh under the 5T initiative, Sangrami Bali Pujari High School in Umerkote block doesn’t have a compound, gate, cycle stand, library and toilet. 

The headmaster of the school Lalit Mohan Dalpatiray alleged massive corruption in the construction work.

“The infrastructure of our school is in a sorry state due to shoddy construction work. Huge amount of money has been swindled only by painting colour,” said Dalpatiray.

Similar is the situation at the ITI High School in Balasore. 

Though the school has been transformed with an expenditure of Rs 60 lakh, water is falling through the roof of the smart classroom and the walls of some rooms have developed cracks. 

Moreover, the students are forced to come to the school by crossing muddy waters. Though the school has computers, no teachers are there to teach the students.

The headmaster of the school Prakash Chandra Panda expressed his dissatisfaction over the development.

“We are not satisfied with the construction work. The school has several problems. The construction work is still incomplete,” rued Panda.

As per the information provided by the School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond to a written question in the State Assembly, the previous BJD government spent Rs 3,087.35 crore for the transformation of 6,564 high schools across the State under the 5T initiative.

The Minister further said that necessary actions will be taken following an investigation if any irregularities are found. Now, questions have been raised on how corruption under the 5T initiative couldn’t come to the notice of the BJD government despite allegations from several quarters? Earlier, on the occasion of Teachers’ Day, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi had said that 5T schools in the State have not become successful.

“Though over Rs 3000 crore has been spent for the transformation of 5T schools across the State, a single school has not been constructed properly under the initiative so far. Nothing has been done except painting colours,” said Congress leader Pabitra Saunta. 

“No proof of corruption in 5T schools has come to the fore yet. An investigation into the matter will be launched. BJP is only diverting the attention of the people,” said BJD leader Sarada Prasanna Jena.

“Shoddy work has been done in almost 80 per cent of the 5T transformed schools across Odisha and crores of rupees have been swindled from the State exchequer in the process,” said BJP leader Om Prakash Mishra.