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CPI (M) is minimizing the stipend of the students to purchase books under SSA to manage the embezzled amount of RMSA Scam
TIWN
TIWN
PHOTO : Arnab Chakraborty being escorted by Police in Agartala. TIWN File Photo
Agartala, November 27 (TIWN): In a new twist the CPI (M) led state government is minimizing the amount of stipend provided to the students for purchasing books under Sarba Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) to fulfill the embezzled amount of Rashtriya Madhyamik Siksha Abhiyan (RMSA) scam
Though, the State government says stipends are an “important incentive” for students to help their studies as a part of a wider strategy, but they themselves are depriving the students to become the future of the country. It is to be mentioned here that for Bengali medium based school, NCERT were providing the books. And for government run English Medium stipends are provided to purchase books. The amount provided for this purpose, in the past year was class 1 to5- Rs 1165, and Class -5 to 8-Rs 1705.
But all of a sudden this year the amount was reduced for class 5 to 8 to a total of Rs 150, and 6-8 to a total of Rs 250. But while speaking to the headmaster of one of the English medium based schools, the headmaster had informed that the actual reason behind this was also remains suspense for him.
This sudden reduction of stipend money created whispering among the people, that whether the Government had taken the steps in order to fill up the scandal of the multicrore scam of RMSA. On the other hand, the Government is not elaborating the actual amount of money, which was looted in the RMSA scam. On the other hand, the masterminds of the scam were still at large. So, in order to manage the money, which was looted in the RMSA scam the state government is minimizing the stipend amount due to which the innocent students are suffering, said a highly placed source of School Education Department
It is to be mentioned here that the investigation of the multicrore RMSA scam seems to have fallen flat. Police though, was successful to arrest the cashier Arnab Chakraborty, but the big wigs are still at large. It was found that Arnab had withdrawn 96 checks, but no inquiry had been called by the then DDO, Ambalika Dutta. As 96 checks cannot be withdrawn from specially one check book. Therefore the question arises, that despite of being informed that such a large scam process is going on, why the higher official was unable to take preventive measure. Though, on the other hand, even if checks have been issued with forged signatures, is there none to check the accounts regularly?
There seems to be twisting here. Debasish Dam is the responsible officer to maintain all the accounts and payments updated. Has he done his duty properly? Surely not as in that case Arnab's issue would have come to the lime light much before. Actually Debasish Dam, has been made the Accounts Officer under the recommendation of a heavy weight minister and thus nobody dares to touch him." Interestingly, there commendation has also been made to the Principal Secretary through the Director.
Thus, the root of corruption is in very deep and if police gives full freedom in investigation, it would really be a Saradha like a menace to the LF Govt (as it is now for TMC Govt in Bengal). But now as Arnab Chakraborty is under police grip, some of the heavyweights are spending 'Sleepless nights' . Moreover, if Ambalika Datta challenges her suspension order in the High Court, the Department is sure to receive another hammering.
Though Police had raided the house of the top officials, but, everything remains just same. Although none of the police officials made any comments, but during these long hours of the search police ceased many documents from all three top officials’ houses that are said to be crucial in regard to the current RMSA scam case. But still now, no exposure had been made on behalf of the police. The big wings connected with the case are still at large. Because, as it was not possible for an ordinary cashier to play such a multicrore scam.
However The CBI has taken suo moto cognizance of the multi-crore RMSA scam in Tripura. Senior CBI officials in North East regional office say they have forwarded detailed media reports on the scam to their headquarters in Delhi."We have now been asked to investigate this alleged scam," said one CBI official but he was unwilling to be named. The CBI official said that the RMSA scam apparently points to a long-happening case of corruption and siphoning off Central funds meant for the improvement of school infrastructure. He said the CBI is also looking into reports of huge assets amassed by few retired and senior IAS, IPS officers, Ministers and several other state officers that include real estate properties in Agartala, Kolkata, and Delhi."These are cases of wealth of officers clearly disproportionate to their known sources of income. They will be investigated as part of the new Modi government's drive to clean up government and punish corrupt officials," the official said.
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