ISLAMABAD:
A member of the planning commission (PC) expressed displeasure over rampant corruption in Basic Education Community Schools (BECS) and lack of action against the officials responsible for mismanagement worth Rs7 billion in the project.
In a strong-worded letter to the Ministry of Professional and Technical Training on April 3, PC Member Infrastructure Ghulam Mohayuddin Marri urged the Ministry of Professional and Technical Training to prepare a timely reference against BECS Project Director Brig (retired) Sirrajuddin, who is the main accused in the case of misappropriation and mismanagement of funds, personnel and assets under the BECS project.
Marri maintained that he has already given ample proof to the managing director of National Education Foundation (NEF) to convict Brig Sirrajuddin and his group; however, the ministry has not taken action to bring these officials to task.
“I request the ministry to take action against these officials at an early date, so that they are penalised for their wrongdoings in their lifetime, instead of accountability by Almighty Allah,” Marri wrote.
He also requested the ministry to reschedule the April 15 meeting of NEF’s board of directors as he would be out of the country and wanted to ensure his presence at the meeting.
Earlier, the planning commission raised objection over mismanagement in the BECS project. The commission reported that with Rs5 billion already spent on the project in the name of rural community schools, no visible change has been witnessed. It maintained that the schools are in deplorable condition and lack necessities such as a proper building and textbooks.
Board of governors of the foundation also suspended funds for some 2,000 BECS across the country after National Database and Registration Authority (Nadra) was unable to verify their existence. These ‘ghost schools’ were operating in far-flung areas and were receiving funds for operations and salaries for teachers.
When contacted, Managing Director NEF Naser Hayat said that they have received a letter from one of the members of the Planning Commission and inquiry under a joint secretary has already been launched. “Action would be taken according to the findings,” he said.
Despite repeated attempts, Brig Sirajuddin could not be reached for comments.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 14th, 2012.
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