AGARTALA, Sept 17 (TIWN):All is not well with Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyaan, better known as RMSA. A financial anomaly of Rs 5 crore is reported against one cashier. At first complain was registered against him only in police station. Later, after investigation many names included in the complain list. Along with Arnab Chakraborty, his wife, mother and deputy director of education Ambalika Datta was arrested. His wife and mother were arrested for suppressing the incident. Besides two officials was also suspended.

The latest report says financial irregularities of RMSA are not confined only in Agartala, it has spread across the state.It came to light after suspension of another cashier in Kamalpur. Financial anomalies of Rs 7 lakh is reported against the suspended cashier Nandan Debnath. Whatever financial anomalies are unearthed is just tip of the iceberg. 

After the arrest of Arnab, Ambalika and suspension of two other officials of RMSA indicates some top level officials are involved likely with the financial anomalies. They were protected by some hidden powers.  If impartial investigations are conducted many more – Arnab, Ambalika and Nandan can be found. It is obvious the state government will not opt impartial investigation, as they fear of getting their clean image tainted. 

In this case the central government has a role to play. The money for RMSA is sanctioned by centre. It’s their duty to see how crores of money is spent under RMSA. It’s taxpayer money, they have full right to know how the money is spent. Hence, the centre nor state cannot shed responsibility. 

The CPI(M) government here has no interest to come out transparent on the issue. They have always taken the people for granted, forgot their accountability. It will be good if they remember it sooner the better.