Punjab Education Minister Orders Special Audit into Sri Dashmesh Academy Malpractices
In a significant development concerning educational governance in Punjab, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has issued directives for a comprehensive special audit and investigation into serious allegations of malpractices at Sri Dashmesh Academy located in Sri Anandpur Sahib. The minister has specifically instructed the state chief secretary to oversee this probe, which will focus on multiple complaints of financial irregularities, gross mismanagement, and infrastructural decay at the institution.
Scope of the Investigation
The investigation, as outlined by Minister Bains, will meticulously scrutinize several critical areas of concern:
- Alleged embezzlement of trust funds intended for the academy's operations and development.
- Misuse of institution property, including resources and assets belonging to the educational establishment.
- Criminal negligence that has reportedly led to significant infrastructure decay, compromising the learning environment for students.
This directive follows a preliminary inquiry conducted by the District Education Officer (DEO) of Rupnagar, which uncovered substantial lapses in the academy's management and financial practices. The findings from this initial assessment prompted the need for a more thorough and formal investigation.
Additional Investigations and Timelines
In addition to the financial and managerial audit, Minister Bains has also tasked the Punjab Police with investigating the alleged possession of a fake PhD degree by the academy's principal. To ensure the integrity of the investigation, authorities have been instructed to secure all relevant records to prevent any potential tampering or destruction of evidence.
The minister has emphasized a time-bound approach to this probe, mandating that a detailed report be submitted within 30 days. This swift timeline underscores the urgency with which the Punjab government is addressing these allegations to restore accountability and transparency in the state's educational institutions.
Presentation to Chief Minister
Upon completion of the investigation, the findings will be presented to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who serves as the ex officio chairman of the trust overseeing Sri Dashmesh Academy. Minister Bains stated that this step is crucial for ensuring appropriate action is taken based on the audit results, reinforcing the government's commitment to upholding the sanctity of public educational entities.
Minister's Statement on Educational Integrity
In his remarks, Minister Bains strongly affirmed the non-negotiable nature of educational integrity, stating, "The sanctity of our educational institutions is paramount. We will get to the bottom of this and ensure the strictest action against anyone found guilty of betraying public trust." He further emphasized that the government will not tolerate public education entities being operated as private fiefdoms at the expense of student welfare and public resources.
The academy, which functions on approximately 180 acres of government land, has come under scrutiny for its management practices, highlighting broader concerns about accountability in educational institutions across Punjab. This investigation marks a proactive step by the state government to address such issues and reinforce standards in the education sector.
