Chandigarh School Committee Head Alleges Samagra Shiksha Fund Irregularities
Sonia Sharma, the president of the School Management Committee (SMC) at Government Model Senior Secondary School (GMSSS) in Sector 46-D, Chandigarh, has raised serious allegations regarding irregularities in the operation of bank accounts under the Samagra Shiksha scheme. These claims involve unauthorized changes in signatories and improper handling of funds, casting a shadow over the transparency of centrally funded education initiatives.
Unauthorized Signatory Changes and Fund Routing
In her formal complaint, Sharma detailed that the school receives Samagra Shiksha funds through a designated ICICI Bank account. She alleged that on December 2, 2025, an additional signatory was added to this account without the approval of the SMC. This action occurred during her valid tenure, which extends until March 31, 2026, raising questions about procedural compliance.
Furthermore, Sharma claimed that while scheme funds were previously operated through a single account, transactions are now being routed through a second, allegedly unauthorized account. This shift has sparked concerns over the transparency and accountability in managing funds meant for educational development under the centrally sponsored scheme.
Alleged Retaliation Linked to Canteen Closure
Sharma linked the timing of these alleged changes to her objections over what she described as an "illegally operated" school canteen. According to her, the canteen was selling prohibited items and was subsequently shut down on January 12, 2026, following intervention by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). She suggested that the alterations in account operations were made thereafter as a form of retaliation for her actions.
Documentation Issues and Inquiry Delays
The complainant also raised issues with documentation, alleging that documents carrying undated signatures of teachers were submitted to the education department as if they were signatures of parents. This, she claimed, misled senior officials and compromised the integrity of administrative processes.
Sharma further stated that a vigilance inquiry was ordered in response to her complaints, but she expressed frustration over the lack of visible progress so far. Additionally, she alleged that the education department did not respond to her Right to Information (RTI) application within the stipulated timeframe, hindering transparency efforts.
Meeting with UT Administrator and Awaited Action
Despite directions for an inquiry issued after her meeting with the UT administrator on January 7, Sharma noted that the action taken report is still awaited. This delay has added to the concerns over timely resolution of the alleged irregularities. Attempts to reach the District Education Officer (DEO) for comment were unsuccessful, leaving the allegations unaddressed by the authorities at this time.
The situation highlights ongoing challenges in ensuring proper oversight and accountability in the management of educational funds, with stakeholders calling for swift and transparent investigations to uphold the principles of the Samagra Shiksha scheme.
