LIVE TV
Odisha
Recommended Stories
Kendrapara: In a glaring example of large-scale irregularities and misappropriation of funds in the midday meal (MDM) scheme, a school headmaster in Pattamundai block of Kendrapara district was caught on camera while trying to bribe a journalist.
Following reports of massive irregularities in MDM scheme at several schools in Pattamundai, an OTV team took a reality check at Dosia Upper Primary School and found that funds meant for midday meals are being allegedly siphoned off by giving misinformation regarding the attendance of students.
However in order to suppress the matter, the headmaster of the school took out cash from his wallet and offered it to the OTV reporter requesting him not to telecast the news. He also pleaded that the district collector will suspend him if the irregularities came to light. The entire incident was caught in the camera of the OTV team.
Not only this, but the situation is also same at Jigaran Model Upper Primary School in the block. According to information provided in the MDM monitoring system, midday meals were prepared for 119 students of the school on September 18 and school attendance register said 113 students were present on the day, however a teacher of the school said the actual number of students present was much below that.
While asked about it, Kulamani Nayak, the headmaster in-charge of the school evaded the question while another teacher UsharaniRath said 72 students took midday meals on the day.
Similar situation prevails at Adhakhanda Mathasahi Model Upper Primary School where midday meals were allegedly prepared for 200 students while in reality only 149 students were present.
On reports of the alleged irregularities, Block Education Officer (BEO) of Pattamundei, Bhamarbar Biswal said he was unaware of such wrongdoings. “Such indiscretion has not come to our notice. If allegation in connection with the matter comes to fore, stringent action will be taken against the concerned schools."
