Punjab Education Minister Directs Special Audit of Sri Dashmesh Academy
In a significant move to uphold educational integrity, Punjab Education Minister and Anandpur Sahib MLA Harjot Singh Bains has issued a directive for a comprehensive audit and investigation into Sri Dashmesh Academy, located in Anandpur Sahib. The institution, which operates on a substantial 180 acres of government land, has been under scrutiny following numerous complaints regarding its management and financial practices.
Minister's Directive for Thorough Probe
On Tuesday, Minister Bains formally wrote to the Punjab Chief Secretary, urging an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations surrounding the academy. The complaints primarily focus on financial irregularities, gross mismanagement, and the deteriorating state of infrastructure at the educational facility. This action underscores the government's commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in public educational institutions.
Preliminary Findings and Scope of Investigation
The directive follows a preliminary inquiry conducted by the District Education Officer of Rupnagar, which revealed significant lapses in the academy's operations. The upcoming investigation will delve deeper into several critical areas, including alleged embezzlement of trust funds, misuse of institutional property, and criminal negligence that has led to the decay of infrastructure. These findings highlight the urgent need for corrective measures to restore the academy's functionality and reputation.
Additional Investigations and Security Measures
In addition to the financial audit, Minister Bains has instructed the Punjab Police to investigate the alleged fake PhD degree of the academy's principal. To ensure the integrity of the process, he has mandated that all relevant records be secured promptly to prevent any potential tampering. This multi-faceted approach aims to address all aspects of the misconduct and hold responsible parties accountable.
Time-Bound Action and Reporting
The minister has set a strict timeline for the investigation, demanding its completion within a specified period and a detailed report to be submitted within 30 days. The findings will be presented to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, who serves as the ex-officio chairman of the trust overseeing the academy. This step ensures that the highest levels of government are involved in resolving the issue and implementing necessary actions.
Minister's Firm Stance on Educational Integrity
Emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of educational institutions, Minister Bains stated, "The sanctity of our educational institutions is non-negotiable. We will get to the bottom of this and ensure strictest action against anyone found guilty of betraying public trust. We won't allow public education entities to function as private fiefdoms at the cost of students' welfare and public resources." This strong declaration reflects the government's zero-tolerance policy towards mismanagement and corruption in the education sector.
The investigation into Sri Dashmesh Academy marks a critical effort to safeguard public resources and ensure that educational institutions serve their intended purpose without compromise. As the probe unfolds, stakeholders await further developments and potential reforms to prevent similar issues in the future.
