“The observations of CAO were self-explanatory but the administration of the JKBOSE due to the reasons best to their knowledge have failed to hold any enquiry or to take any action yet”
K Koushal
Despite unearthing of alleged multi-crore scam in Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE), the concerned administration appears least bothered to call for a probe and rather acted more defensive in the matter.
Highly placed sources told The Typewriter that the concerned administration of JKBOSE has reportedly turned a blind eye to the multi-crore scandal committed allegedly by former Chairman from 2004 to 2007 by drawing self-cheques of over Rs 6 crores.
“The then Chief Accounts Officer (CAO) (Central) Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education Jammu/ Srinagar had submitted a report in this regard to the then Director General J&K Accounts and Treasuries and Personal Assistant to Secretary BOSE for action but the matter has been hushed up,” said sources, adding that the communiqué of the then CAO, Som Nath Chatterjee (copy in possession of The Typewriter) on 24-08-2011, clearly talked about the cheque numbers along with date and amount drawn in favour of then Chairman Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education namely Prof. Nissar Ahmed Ganai.
The observations made by the then CAO, JK BOSE reads, “Besides, it is totally out of way to draw the claims of any firm (Confidential Printer) in personal name by the Drawing and Disbursing Officer. In other words it means that the officer had misused his powers by drawing self-cheques instead of proper claimant. Hence the report is submitted for your kind information and further necessary action at your end sir.”
The total amount, as per the communication, Rs 6 crore 38 lacs and 34 thousands, have been drawn by the Prof Nissar Ahmad Ganai, then Chairman JK BOSE from September 2004 to August 2007.
Speaking to The Typewriter, a senior official of JK BOSE, wishing anonymity said that it is ironical that despite observations of CAO in the multi crore-scam, no pains were taken by the successive administrators to call for a probe in the matter.
“The observations of CAO were self-explanatory but the administration of the JKBOSE due to the reasons best to their knowledge have failed to hold any enquiry or to take any action yet,” said official, adding that this is not the first time that the matter has been flagged before the concerned authorities.
He stated that earlier also the matter was brought into the notice of the chairman, but instead of taking action, it was preferred to ‘ignore’.
“The authorities sitting at the helm of affairs have turned blind eyes towards this corrupt practice either owing to vested interest or out of their incompetence to deal with the situation,” said official, adding that it is evident from the fact that despite change in heads since past almost a decade, no officer has shown courage to take any action in this regard.
He further alleged that this is just a one case, JK BOSE needs proper audit of its working.
“Undoubtedly, this is just a tip of an ice-berg, if you carry proper audit of JKBOSE, you will find many such cases of money siphoning,” he alleged.
When contacted former Chairman of JKBOSE- Prof Nissar Ahmad Ganai, who is alleged accused in the case, said that he has no knowledge about the matter.
“How it is possible that payment can be drawn from my account. I do not have any idea about this issue. If the cheque is not in my name, how it is possible it will be drawn in my name,” he questioned, adding that however, once Deputy Secretary of JK BOSE had visited his place to clear some queries in this matter.
Talking to The Typewriter, incumbent Chairperson of JKBOSE, Veena Pandita initially denied to speak on the matter and stated that ‘let the people probe the matter’.
“I know the issue very well. It is confidential and we cannot act on it. Let them frame a committee and do whatever they want to do, I don’t want to speak on the issue,” she said.
When asked who shall be the part of committee, enraged chairperson said, “If you have all the details, why do not you explore who shall be the part of committee,” Veena Pandita said, adding “Leave it to us”.
She however admitted that she does not have any knowledge about the any enquiry into the matter.
“I know that I must be informed about the case, but I admit that I don’t have any knowledge,” said JKBOSE Chairperson, Veena Pandita.
