Probe ordered into Bajaur schoolbags delay

The Deputy Commissioner Bajaur has ordered an inquiry into the reported delay in the provision of school bags to students and directed the concerned authorities to submit a report within five days.

According to sources, the Education Department has completed the tender process for supplying school bags to schoolchildren. However, allegations have surfaced that the tender was either not opened or that subsequent departmental proceedings were not initiated, resulting in an unusual delay in providing the bags to students.

The issue has raised questions about the performance and administrative procedures of the Education Department. However, no officer or official can be held responsible or declared guilty until the inquiry establishes the facts.

The Deputy Commissioner took notice of the complaints and ordered officials to examine the circumstances surrounding the alleged delay. The inquiry is expected to scrutinise the tender record, movement of files, proceedings of the tender committee, relevant approvals and the reasons for any delay in completing the process.

The development has also revived concerns about earlier school bag and furniture projects in the district involving millions of rupees. According to public circles, some previous projects reportedly faced delays or were not completed within the stipulated period, prompting calls for a comprehensive review of procurement and planning mechanisms.

Residents and public representatives have urged the authorities to ensure that the inquiry is not treated as a routine exercise and that responsibility is fixed if any violation of rules, negligence or unnecessary delay is established.

They stressed that schoolchildren should not suffer because of administrative shortcomings and called for the timely, transparent and lawful provision of essential educational facilities.

The five-day inquiry report is now expected to clarify the facts and determine whether any official negligence or procedural violation contributed to the alleged delay.