The Indian Express   02.08.2012

Panel to probe anomalies in installing e-learning equipment

The PMC Education Board has appointed a five-member committee to inquire into complaints of alleged financial irregularities and anomalies in installation of electronic equipment in civic schools for its e-learning initiative. There have been complaints that the irregularities run into a few crores.

“The committee will look into allegations of financial irregularities in purchase of electronic equipment for the e-learning initiative. The five-member committee’s report would be submitted in 15 days so that action can be initiated against those responsible for any irregularity,” said Baba Dhumal, chairman of PMC Education Board. There have been allegations that the PMC Education Board released the amount for installation of electronic equipment in civic schools before the actual installation had taken place.

The PMC has also submitted a report on infrastructure at civic schools, Dhumal said adding that around 300 classrooms were found to be in poor condition and a recommendation has been made to get them repaired. To ensure proper infrastructure in civic schools, the 15-member Education Board has divided the city into 15 areas and each member would visit and look into civic school infrastructure in the allotted area, Dhumal said.

Meanwhile, the Board has started distribution of uniform and educational material to civic school students. “The proposal pending in the PMC general body for long had caused the delay. We now plan to complete the distribution of uniform and educational material by August 15,” he said.

The mid-day meal scheme that was being implemented through a self-help grouphas been given an extension of one month as there has been no decision on setting up a centralised kitchen for preparing the meal as recommended by state government, Dhumal said.

Protests against Board member

Several women staff of the PMC Education Board on Wednesday protested against a member of the Board alleging harassment. Education Board chairman Baba Dhumal apologised on behalf of Board member Ram Borkar of the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) against whom they were agitating. “The issue has been sorted out,” said Dhumal. Borkar, however, said the agitation was over information sought by him on recruitment by the Board made early this year.