A school principal in Delhi was arrested on Monday by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for misusing government funds. Ashok Kumar Singh, principal of Government Boys’ Senior Secondary School, situated near Sultanpuri, has been accused of misusing Rs27,35,870 from students’ welfare fund, tweeted Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi Manish Sisodia.
During the probe it was found that the principal embezzled the funds meant for various Students’ Welfare Schemes like subsidy for uniform, free supply of text books, welfare of educationally backward minority students and lal Bahadur Shahstri Scholarship. He did so by misusing his official position as the Head of School (HOS) and Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO).
The principal delayed the distribution of the funds in 2011-12 and 2012-13, respectively, meant for various Students’ Welfare Schemes. Though the money was withdrawn well in time; he kept the funds in his possession for a long period beyond the financial year. In 2012-12 and 2013-14, the accused withdrew huge amounts for various welfare schemes but distributed them only partially.
In the financial year from 2012 to 2014, he misappropriated Rs27,35,870. The documents seized from the school showed that the principal also withdrew money by issuing cheques in the name of teachers-a clear violation of the procedure.
The role of two other officers — Dy. Director of Education, North and West and Education Officer — is yet to be ascertained in the case as they failed to supervise the conduct/deeds of the principal. “Being a public servant, he also committed criminal breach of trust,” claimed the investigation report.