Vigilance Department Nabs BEO and School Operator in Dehradun Bribery Sting
In a significant crackdown on corruption, the vigilance department on Wednesday arrested a block education officer (BEO) and a private school operator in Dehradun for allegedly accepting a bribe of ₹1 lakh. The bribe was reportedly demanded to expedite the clearance of reimbursement bills under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, according to official statements.
Details of the Arrest and Allegations
The accused have been identified as Dhanveer Singh Bisht, the block education officer in Doiwala, and Pushpanjali, the owner of Uttaranchal Modern School located in Gumaniwala, Rishikesh. They were apprehended red-handed while accepting the bribe from a complainant, who had pending reimbursement claims for students enrolled at Ganga Valley Junior High School in Rishikesh.
Vigilance officials revealed that the complainant's reimbursement process was allegedly stalled until the bribe was paid. It is alleged that Bisht orchestrated the bribe demand, routing it through Pushpanjali, who operates a private school in the area. This collusion highlights systemic issues in the education reimbursement system under the RTE Act.
Legal Action and Previous Incidents
A formal case has been registered under the relevant provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, as amended in 2018. This arrest follows a similar incident in Haridwar, where in December last year, the vigilance department arrested BEO Brij Pal Singh Rathore and block resource person Mukesh of Bahadrabad block. They were accused of accepting a ₹20,000 bribe to issue a renewal certificate for a school managed by the 40th Battalion of the Provincial Armed Constabulary.
These repeated cases underscore ongoing challenges in combating corruption within educational administration. Vigilance officials have emphasized that strict measures will be taken against corrupt public servants to uphold integrity and transparency.
Call for Public Vigilance
In light of these events, vigilance authorities have urged citizens to report any instances where officials demand bribes. They reiterated their commitment to rooting out corruption and ensuring that public services, especially in education, remain accessible and fair for all. The department's proactive stance aims to deter future misconduct and protect the rights of students and institutions under schemes like the RTE Act.
