lokayukta Justice (retd) Sanjay Mishra sent another report to the state government recommending action against two government officials (one of whom is retired now), cancellation of registration of a minority institution in Ambedkarnagar and the registration of case in the matter. The lokayukta decided on these lines after probing a complaint in scholarhsip distribution irregularities.
Dr Mohamed Anees Siddiqui had complaint with the lokayukta on June 17, 2014 alleging gross irregularities in madarsas at Ambedkarnagar. He claimed that a primary school at Husanganj Muselman of Ambedkarnagar and `Madarsa Islamiya’ where scholarhsips were provided to students were engaging in malpractice. A member of the management of the above institutions Mohamed Sahid Siddiqui had opened another madarsa `Sheikh Basalat Public School’ by violating norms and got recognition of his madarsa by colluding with District Minority Welfare officer. Inthe process Siddiqui siphoned off several lakh rupees meant for distribution of scholarship to students. A complaint was made to the DM of Ambedkarnagar and District Minority Welfare Officer Ashwini Kumar, but both failed to take cognizance.
The lokayukta got a case registered and asked the DM of Ambedkarnagar to probe and submit his findings for future action. The DM found the allegations levelled by the complainant as true. The said madrasa did not conform to the norm, had 93 students merely on paper and lakhs of rupees granted by the government for scholarship to students was siphoned off. Besides documentary evidences, the DM recorded statements of some witnesses and sent his report to the state ombudsman.
After studyingthe report, the lokayuka sent his report to the Chief Secretary for action last Friday. He recommended cancellation of recognition of the illegal madarsa, registration of case and departmental proceedings against senior Waqf Inspector of Minority Welfare department Jagram Bharati and the then District Minority Welfare officer Shafiq Ahmed. The lokayukta also recommended the estoppel of pension to Ahmed, who has already retired from service.