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.