Ahmedabad School Continues Controversy Despite Government Takeover
Even after being taken over by the government, the Seventh Day Adventist School in Ahmedabad remains embroiled in controversy. It has now emerged that, despite strict observations made by the Gujarat High Court, the school administration is allegedly avoiding providing crucial information to the authorities.
Notice Issued for Financial Details
At the beginning of the new year, the Ahmedabad City District Education Officer issued a formal notice to the school management. This notice sought comprehensive details regarding bank accounts, scholarship disbursement procedures, and fee collection methods. However, the school reportedly failed to submit the required information within the stipulated timeframe.
Alleged Violations of Fee Collection Norms
According to reliable sources, the school was found to be collecting fees in cash from parents. This practice directly contradicts established norms and violates the rules laid down by the Fee Regulatory Committee. Schools are explicitly prohibited from accepting fees in cash, yet the practice allegedly continued even after the committee's clear directives.
Furthermore, complaints were received regarding minority scholarship forms not being properly filled out. Irregularities were also noted in the disbursement of scholarships, raising serious concerns about financial management.
Background of Government Intervention
The government initiated an investigation after a tragic incident last August, where a Class 10 student was fatally stabbed by a Class 8 student at the Khokhra school. As a result of this investigation, approximately 35 days ago, the school was officially taken over by the government. The Ahmedabad City District Education Officer was appointed as the administrator to oversee operations.
During subsequent scrutiny, authorities observed that fee collection was not being conducted according to prescribed norms, prompting further investigation.
Comprehensive Information Demanded
To thoroughly probe these issues, the District Education Officer demanded comprehensive details, including:
- The bank accounts into which school fees are deposited
- Evidence documenting the fee collection process
- Cheque books of all accounts maintained in the school's name
- Complete records of minority scholarships paid over the past five years
Despite the issuance of a formal notice with these specific requirements, the school has allegedly shown significant reluctance in sharing these crucial details with the authorities.
Potential Strict Action Looming
As the school management continues to withhold the required information, authorities are now considering initiating strict action against the institution in the coming days. The persistent non-compliance with official requests for financial transparency has escalated the situation, potentially leading to more severe consequences for the school administration.
The ongoing defiance of court observations and government directives highlights deeper systemic issues within the institution's management practices, raising questions about accountability and transparency in educational administration.
