A retired headmistress has been accused of misappropriating government funds by forging the signature of the school chairman in the Balasore district of Odisha. The allegation was levelled against Jayanti Kanwar, former headmistress of Kadamian Primary School under Nayakhandi panchayat. 

Following the complaint, a five-member team from the education department conducted an investigation at the school in two phases.

Officials and Staff Raise Concerns

As per reports, suspicion first arose when the current headmaster observed that the OTP sent for money withdrawal did not reach the chairman.

Commenting on the issue, Devendra Kumar Shaw, Chairman of Kadamian Primary School, said, “The signatures used were not mine; they were forged. Funds meant for MDM rice, PFMS, and other schemes were misappropriated. We want a proper investigation and appropriate action against those responsible.”

Balaram Das, Headmaster of Kadamian Primary School, said, “After assuming charge, I approached the chairman for his signature of approval. He mentioned he had not signed such documents in the last three years and inquired if it was a new procedure. On verifying earlier records, he confirmed that the previous signatures were not his.”

Inquiry into Misuse of School Funds

Investigating teacher Jagabandhu Besra said, “Funds under the ‘Mo School Abhiyan’ were not utilised properly. The donations made by alumni and the corresponding matching grant were not spent for the intended purposes. We will submit our report after verifying the alleged signature forgery.”

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The education department’s investigation is ongoing while the response of the retired headmistress, Jayanti Kanwar, could not be obtained.