Abuse of power: TEVTA not acting against ‘corrupt’ college staff

Principal, former warden and instructor accused of embezzlement.

LAHORE:

The Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) seems reluctant to act against some officials, including the principal of the Government College of Technical Education, Faisalabad, who face charges of corruption and embezzling college funds, The Express Tribune has learnt.

According to documents available with The Express Tribune, in March 2013, TEVTA’s Faisalabad zonal manager had sent a letter to the authority’s headquarters in Lahore suggesting removal of Muhammad Ali from the post of principal and some of his subordinates to ensure a fair investigation into the alleged financial irregularities.

“The matter is pending since then…and the officials accused of misuse of authority are working unhindered,” an official who is familiar with the matter said.

“Ali, a former hostel warden and a mechanical instructor have sold 20 trees on the college premises without fulfilling the required procedure,” said the official who did not want to be named.

He claimed that they had also received kickbacks for awarding the parking lot and cafeteria contracts.

He said they charged hostel students additional fee, granted admissions in violation of rules and persuaded some of the prospective students to seek admission in private colleges.

He said a complaint filed to TEVTA authorities said the college also started a course on bio-gas technology and Rs1.3 million in fees was deposited in a private bank account. Rs500,000 were embezzled on pretext of material testing.

The official said financial irregularities stood proved in an inquiry ordered by the TEVTA’s district manager.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Ali denied the allegations. He said some “jealous” people had been leveling baseless allegations against him. “I will defend myself if the authorities call me.” On corruption, Ali said it was pointed out in an audit report and it was not embezzled and there may be procedural mistakes. Ali refused to comment on details.

He said the college had progressed well since he assumed the office in 2010. A senior TEVTA official said disciplinary action will be taken against the accused after procedural formalities. “We are working on it,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2014.