In a startling revelation, former Panch (PRI member) Kewal Sharma and Sumit Sharma a social activist, have brought to light suspicions of financial mismanagement surrounding the allocated funds intended for the expansion of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) in Parat Sunderbani. Their allegations have stirred a wave of concern and urgency, prompting calls for immediate investigation and remedial action to safeguard public resources and educational infrastructure.
Alongside this grave concern, they have also brought to light the encroachment upon a significant 16 Kanal parcel of land belonging to the school. The duo lodged their complaint through the Awaz-A-Awam (JK Grievance Cell), prompting swift action and intervention which was heard today. Kewal Sharma and Sumit Sharma participated in the LG’s Mulaqaat via video conferencing from the DC office in Rajouri on Thursday. Responding to their grievance, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha directed Deputy Commissioner Rajouri to take corrective measures to address the issue promptly and ensure efficient redressal.
The controversy dates back to July 2019 when the upgradation work of the School building commenced with a cost of Rs 1.14 crore against 1.34cr rupees allotted for the works, after the tendering process. However, despite the substantial expenditure of Rs 1.12 crore to date, nearly 40 percent of the work remains incomplete, including essential components such as plastering, installation of doors, windows, electricity, and related works. Allegations have surfaced suggesting that over 40 lakh rupees have been misappropriated by the contractor and department officials entrusted with overseeing the project.
Furthermore, the complaint highlighted another troubling aspect: the encroachment upon 16 out of the 96.10 Kanal of land belonging to GHSS Parat. Additionally, it was alleged that the site originally designated for the construction of the new complex was changed without proper approval from the competent authority, leading to an escalation in project costs.
In response to these allegations, DC Rajouri promptly directed Additional Deputy Commissioner Sunderbani to initiate measures to reclaim the encroached land within 15 days. The funds required for the fencing of the encroached land will be allocated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), ensuring swift action to address the land dispute.
During the hearing at the DC office, the Principal of GHSS Parat affirmed that the decision to alter the construction site was made to prevent further encroachment on the school’s land, underscoring the gravity of the situation. In light of these developments, the community eagerly awaits the administration’s decisive actions to investigate the alleged misappropriation of funds and address the land encroachment issue, ensuring transparency and accountability in public projects.
“We are committed to ensuring transparency and accountability in all public projects, and any discrepancies will be thoroughly investigated,” stated Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, reiterating the administration’s resolve to uphold integrity and serve the public interest.
