Government Principals Ordered to Repay Rs10 Crore Funds Following Fraudulent Scheme
In a stunning revelation, a fraudulent scheme involving government principals has been exposed, leading to a mandate for them to repay a staggering amount of Rs10 crore. The Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) has wasted no time and initiated the recovery process, aiming to retrieve the funds that were unlawfully obtained by these principals since 2013.
The misappropriation of funds came to light after concerned activists filed petitions with the court and the Lokayukta, alleging that the principals had engaged in illegal activities that directly violated a circular issued by the DTE in 2013. Taking swift action, the Director of DTE has promptly canceled the circular referring to the second shift salary for principals. Additionally, an order to recover Rs2.98 crore in the first phase has been issued.
The recovered funds will be rightfully deposited into the government treasury, where they belong. From the period spanning 2013 to 2018, a shocking total of 61 principals from various government polytechnics across the state had deceitfully acquired the second shift salary through fraudulent means. The DTE meticulously audited the amounts involved, leaving these principals with a significant debt to repay.
The exposure of this fraudulent scheme can be credited to the efforts of Dr. Abhishek Haridas, Abhijit Khedkar, and Ulhas Agnihotri. Dr. Haridas and Mr. Khedkar proceeded to file a petition under Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code in the court of judicial magistrate first class (JMFC). Simultaneously, Mr. Agnihotri lodged a complaint with the Lokayukta. As a result, an inquiry was launched by a committee led by Dr. Vinod Mohitkar, the Director of DTE, which ultimately found the principals guilty of their transgressions.
Upon discovery of their wrongdoings, Manali Samant, the cell officer in the ministry, sought a detailed report from the Director of Technical Education. In response, the joint director, Dr. Dattatray Jadhav, was directed to furnish the necessary information. Additionally, Dr. Jadhav promptly canceled the previous circular from 2013 that enabled these principals to exploit the state exchequer.
Dr. Abhishek Haridas, one of the complainants and an RTI activist, shed light on the intricacies of the fraudulent activities, stating, Principal of Government Polytechnic Pune (GPP) Dr. Vitthal Bandal had taken undue advantage and issued his own orders for the second shift salary at Polytechnic Karad while serving in a non-establishment capacity at GPP. Dr. Bandal managed to secure the support of the then-state director, Dr. Abhay Wagh, and discreetly suppressed the matter.
In the pursuit of protecting the interests of the larger public, Ulhas Agnihotri, Abhijit Khedkar, and Dr. Abhishek Haridas filed complaints at various levels. Their relentless efforts have now culminated in success, as the fraudulent scheme has been exposed, and the guilty parties are being held accountable for their actions.
The recovery process initiated by the Directorate of Technical Education signifies the commitment to rectify this financial misconduct and restore the misappropriated funds to the government treasury. As the principals face the daunting task of repaying their dues, it serves as a stark reminder that fraudulent activities will not go unnoticed or unpunished. The government’s decisive action in canceling the enabling circular and implementing recovery measures sends a strong message against any future attempts to exploit the system for personal gain.
Indeed, this case serves as a cautionary tale for those who may be tempted to engage in fraudulent schemes. The uncovering of this misconduct not only safeguards the financial integrity of the government but also reinforces the importance of transparency and accountability in public service.
