Probe team finds major records missing from Giaspura school

A three-member team under the supervision of Varinder Singh Brar, General Manager, Mid-Day Meal, Punjab, along with two other accountants, have found major records “missing” from Government Primary School, Giaspura, here.

The team that reached the school early around 8:30 am is probing into the matter in which 85 quintals of wheat and over 95 quintals of rice reached the school in papers while practically there was no information of the mid-day meal ration.

One of the team members said the records were missing due to which there was no clarity about the matter. “Statements of teachers and the present in-charge are being recorded and we are matching with attendance registers,” the probing committee member said.

“It will take a few days to reach any conclusion in the matter. The previous in-charge, under whose tenure the incident occurred in October 2024, was also summoned by the team and her statement was also recorded. Besides, the mid-day meal contractor was also called for his statement. When we asked about the records, we were told that the DEO, Elementary, had taken the record, when she was conducting the preliminary inquiry. We are cross-checking everything and the report will be submitted to higher-ups,” said the team member, on the condition of anonymity. The probe was ordered by the Director, Elementary School Education.

The school remained in controversy in the past also for showing more students than the actual number of pupils present in the school.

One of the teachers at the school said the then in-charge in alleged connivance with a handful of staff had shown in attendance registers that 4,500-5,000 students were studying in school whereas actually the number was much less but mid-day meal ration was given as per the registers. It came to the notice of district level officials and an inquiry was conducted, the report of which was sent to Chandigarh.

In a letter written to District Education Officer, Elementary, the mid-day meal society had referred to the missing grain incident as a “shameful act” and the particular complaint had also reached the Chief Minister’s office, following which the department swung into action and it was asked from local officials to cooperate and provide all necessary records. In her initial inquiry, even the DEO, Elementary, had recommended strict action against erring staff, who are responsible for the unethical act.