Vadodara District Panchayat Education Scandal?

Congress member Arjunsinh Padhiyar has accused the Vadodara District Panchayat’s Education Department of a ₹40 lakh scam. On July 30, during a general meeting, the Congress member questioned District Primary Education Officer Mukesh Pandey about the expenses for question papers, answer sheets, and other materials for the past two years, but Pandey could not provide answers. Consequently, the Congress member has requested an investigation into the alleged scam. Panchayat President Gayatriben Mahida has instructed the DDO to conduct the investigation, and strict action will be taken against anyone found involved.

Increase in Students with Reduced Costs

According to information from the Vadodara District Primary Education Department, in the 2023-24 academic year, a total of 92,957 students appeared for exams, with expenses amounting to ₹69,47,469 for answer sheets, material, and question papers. The following year, 92,959 students appeared for exams, but the expenses were only ₹29,77,069. Despite an increase of two students from 2023-24 to 2024-25, there was a reduction of ₹40 lakh in expenses. The Education Department incurred ₹39,70,400 more in expenses in 2023-24 compared to 2024-25.

Significant Difference in Two Years’ Expenses

Congress member Arjunsinh Padhiyar pointed out the ₹40 lakh discrepancy in the District Primary Education Department’s expenses. He stated that when he received these details, he formally requested information from the department about the costs for the purchase of answer sheets, question papers, and materials for two years, revealing a significant difference.

Questioning of Expenses in General Meeting

Padhiyar further mentioned that despite the increase in the number of students, the expenses were lower. In the following year, with a decrease in student numbers, the expenses were reported to have increased by ₹40 lakh. During the general meeting on July 30, District Primary Education Officer Mukesh Pandey was questioned but could not provide answers. This led to a demand for an investigation into the issue. There is a call for strict action against those involved in misusing public funds.

Officer’s Sweating in the Meeting

During the meeting, Congress member Arjunsinh Padhiyar demanded an explanation from District Primary Education Officer Mukesh Pandey regarding the costs for answer sheets, materials, and question papers. Pandey appeared visibly nervous and tried to justify the costs with unreasonable reasons. However, the Panchayat member rejected the explanation and insisted on an investigation into the scam.

Panchayat President Orders Investigation

Following the discussion about the ₹40 lakh scam in the District Primary Education Department, which seems evident at first glance, President Gayatriben Mahida has ordered the DDO to investigate. Strict action will be taken against those found responsible during the investigation.

Allegations of Corruption During BJP’s Tenure

It is notable that this is not the first instance of a scam in the District Panchayat’s Education Department. In the past, allegations of corruption involving lakhs of rupees in school kits, including music kits, have been reported. During the BJP’s tenure, there appears to be little interest in improving the level of primary education, while there is a greater interest in engaging in corrupt practices under the blessings of BJP leaders.