Since the abrogation of Article 370, the administration in Jammu and Kashmir has received acclaim for its governance in the Union Territory. However, despite commendable efforts to root out corruption, the harsh reality persists: corruption, though reduced at higher levels, remains entrenched within various offices and among officials who continue engaging in illicit practices alongside their government roles.
Conventional discussions on corruption typically center around departments like Revenue, Power Distribution, Food Supplies, and Jal Shakti. However, the unsuspected involvement of the esteemed Education Department in corrupt practices has startled the public. Contrary to assumptions, this department has set unprecedented records in corruption, leading to a significant drain on the state exchequer. The intricate network between corrupt officials in government-run schools and favored bidders in stationary and supply procurement has resulted in doubled rates within a mere six months. More alarmingly, differing rates prevail within the same district, with varied inflated prices charged to different schools for identical items.
An extensive investigation conducted by Buzzbytes has unearthed invoices and procurement rates from numerous schools in Kashmir, exposing a deep-seated nexus between high-ranking officials in different districts’ school departments and suppliers, all exploiting the Gem Portal. Copies of these incriminating documents are in possession of Buzzbytes media house, laying bare a colossal loss amounting to crores for the government.
A detailed complaint lodged with the LG’s grievance cell on April 12, 2023, vividly outlines the gravity of the situation:
To:
The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor,
Grievance Cell,
Civil Secretariat J&K.
Date: 12/04/2023
Subject: Complaint against Zonal Education Office(s) for procurement of Kindergarten items on GeM portal in district Kupwara.
Respected Sir,
I write with grave concern regarding the procurement of Kindergarten items by various Zonal education offices in district Kupwara, exposing a serious nexus between certain officers/officials of the Education Department and vendors. These items have been procured at exorbitant prices through the GeM portal, resulting in a significant loss to the government exchequer.
The procurement pattern clearly indicates favoritism towards specific suppliers, namely M/s Modern Book Depot and M/s ABC, by ZEO Kupwara and ZEO Lolab. These suppliers, despite appearing as distinct entities on the GeM portal, are essentially the same, exploiting the bidding process. Undue favoritism extended to these vendors manipulates the bidding process, enabling them to qualify under different IDs while essentially representing the same entity.
Enclosed are the Price List and visual representations of the same products ordered by these Zonal Education Offices, highlighting the substantial difference between MRP prices and the quoted procurement prices:
OFFICE/DEPT MRP as per quantity Procurement price Difference in MRP and Procurement price
ZEO Sogam ₹687,788 ₹1,040,950 ₹353,162
ZEO Lolab ₹884,624 ₹1,196,800 ₹312,176
ZEO Kupwara ₹742,646 ₹1,038,420 ₹295,774
Total ₹2,315,058 ₹3,276,170 ₹961,112 (Government Loss)
I urgently request a thorough investigation into this matter to safeguard the government exchequer from significant losses. The individuals responsible for this deep-seated corruption, exploiting their official positions and forming a nexus with vendors, must be held accountable. Restoring transparency in the procurement process through the GeM portal is imperative.
This revelation of corrupt practices within the Education Department through the GeM portal unveils a pervasive issue that urgently demands attention and rigorous action to curb further losses to the state exchequer.
Expanding further on this issue, the malpractices within the Education Department in Kashmir are not confined to mere transactions; they underscore a systemic failure leading to significant financial losses for the government. The education sector, considered a cornerstone for societal progress and development, is now marred by exploitative practices, siphoning precious resources away from the intended beneficiaries – the students.
The intricate web of corruption woven between officials and suppliers, particularly evident in the procurement processes via the GeM portal, highlights the urgent need for structural reforms and stringent oversight mechanisms within the department. It’s imperative to unravel the layers of collusion and ensure accountability at every level to restore faith in the education system and prevent further hemorrhaging of public funds.
This issue also brings into question the efficacy of monitoring mechanisms and the due diligence exercised in the bidding and procurement processes. The GeM portal, conceived to promote transparency and efficiency, seems to have been manipulated to serve personal interests at the cost of public welfare. The need for rigorous audits, stricter protocols, and enhanced vigilance cannot be overstated.
Moreover, the impact of such corruption isn’t merely financial; it reverberates across society. The inflated procurement rates directly impact the education system, potentially compromising the quality of educational materials provided to students. The misallocation of funds due to corrupt practices obstructs the improvement of infrastructure, teacher training programs, and other critical educational initiatives.
Efforts to eradicate corruption in the education sector should involve comprehensive reforms addressing institutional weaknesses, stringent monitoring mechanisms, and a culture of transparency and accountability. It necessitates collaborative efforts between government bodies, civil society, and stakeholders to ensure a robust and corruption-free education system that serves the best interests of the students and the society at large.
In conclusion, the depth of corruption within the Education Department in Kashmir, particularly through the exploitation of the GeM portal, paints a distressing picture of systemic malaise. Immediate corrective measures, thorough investigations, and punitive actions against those involved are crucial to stem the hemorrhage of public funds and restore trust in the integrity of the education system. The pressing need for a transparent, accountable, and ethical framework cannot be overstated to safeguard the future of Kashmir’s education and, by extension, its society and economy.
