Ragadi: While construction work for smart classrooms under School Transformation Programme is underway at 65 schools in Jajpur district, there is an alleged bid to embezzle funds sanctioned for Pachhikota school, a report said.
According to the report, Rs 60 lakh has been sanctioned for each of these schools from Odisha Mineral Bearing Area Development Corporation (OMBADC). As many as eight schools under Korei block have been included in the School Transformation Programme. Pachhikota High school is one such school.
Locals alleged that no tender has been floated for smart classroom programme at this school. Some relatives of a political leader have managed to secure the work by paying commission to some officials responsible for implementing the programme.
For over 60 years, students are being taught under asbestos-roofed building of the school. “There is need for a new building for smart classrooms. Those who have taken the work are planning to whitewash the old school building to mint money without doing any construction work,” local revealed.
They have expressed their displeasure over the way the contractors are trying to botch up the work and loot government funds.
The work was supposed to be completed by October 2, but the contractors have been carrying out the work at their will. As of date, not even 50 per cent of the work has been completed.
Locals further alleged that officials from the block monitor the work and in their absence, the contractor is minting money by neglecting the work.
“So far no new furniture has not been purchased. Similarly, no step is being taken for e-library, science laboratory, sports equipment, drinking water facility, playground up-gradation,” the locals rued.
The residents said the contractors have been trying to complete the work anyhow and submit its bill.
The villagers have demanded an investigation into the work and action against the contractor.
They observed that the District Collector needs to intervene into the matter and ask the contractors to execute the work properly.
PNN
