TV
Allegations of corruption and misappropriation of government funds meant for student scholarships and benefits have gripped the Panabeda Junior College and Mahavidyalaya in Chandahandi of Nabarangpur district. Local residents, along with volunteers, staged a sit-in protesting the same on Monday.
Sources reported that parents and locals have accused the junior college of misappropriating and redirecting government-sanctioned funds for various initiatives meant for the Plus 2 and Plus 3 students. Further, allegations were also raised regarding financial mismanagement in infrastructure development.
As such, a dharna calling for a thorough and independent financial audit of all grants received since 2011 commenced this morning. Moreover, the agitators also demanded verification of employee records, alleging unsanctioned hiring based on the personal preference of the management committee.
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“We send our children to this college with hopes of their bright future but the college management is exploiting them and reaping funds for their benefit. Additionally, they are also not providing any jobs to locals," alleged a local resident participating in the protest.
Meanwhile, BJD leader Pradeep Majhi also joined the protesters and warned that the agitation would intensify if the issues were not resolved promptly.
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However, Nalini Das, principal of Panabeda Higher Secondary School refuted any claims of wrongdoing. “The protests are unfortunate and baseless. There is absolutely no instance of any wrongdoing or misappropriation. The claims of hiring non-locals are also baseless,” he stated.
