Education officers face NAB probe over grant scam

Committee's findings uncover evidence of corruption exceeding Rs500 million

BAHAWALNAGAR:

Officers of the Education Authority in Bahawalnagar are under investigation by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) over allegations of embezzlement in a multi-million rupee additional grants scandal.

NAB has requested detailed records of expenditures for the fiscal year 2023-24 from the CEO of the Education Authority, including information on how the controversial grants were allocated and utilised.

Among those implicated in the case are a former CEO, the Deputy Director of Budget and Finance, and other officials.

The NAB has instructed the CEO to appoint a Grade-17 officer as a focal person to ensure the inquiry progresses efficiently.

A letter from the NAB has demanded records such as the Non-Salary Budget for the financial year, approvals for expenditures, transactions from the CEO's Account-5, and details of funds allocated to schools.

Information on the requisition and utilisation of additional grants by Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and funds for the Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) program has also been sought.

The scandal revolves around additional grants allocated for the renovation of over 140 high and higher secondary schools in Bahawalnagar district. Millions of rupees intended for school improvements were allegedly misappropriated.

Following a citizen's complaint, the Secretary of the School Education Department, South Punjab, formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the matter.

The committee's findings uncovered evidence of corruption exceeding Rs500 million, leading to the removal of the former CEO and the dismissal of a cashier. However, no action has been taken against employees of the District Accounts Office, who were also allegedly involved.

Despite NAB's action, officials implicated in the embezzlement remain in their positions, with no steps taken by the Deputy Commissioner or the Secretary of the School Education Department to hold them accountable. After the initial investigation, Rs1.8 million were recovered and deposited into the national treasury, but significant amounts remain unaccounted for.

The NAB investigation has brought renewed attention to the case, with the bureau emphasising its commitment to transparency and accountability.

In October, a corruption scandal in the Bahawalnagar Education Department led to the initiation of disciplinary action against 140 officials, including the chief executive officer, for their alleged involvement in embezzling Rs500 million.

The scandal has prompted a three-member inquiry team formed by the South Punjab Education secretary to investigate and suggest recovery measures. According to sources, the inquiry has revealed significant lapses.

The sources said it was alleged that the district education authority and the accounts office allegedly colluded to misappropriate funds intended for the renovation of 139 high and higher secondary schools throughout the district.

Instead of allocating the funds for the renovation, officials allegedly collaborated with personnel from the District Accounts Office to process false bills.