Complexity in investigation process and study of voluminous documents are delaying the submission of Shalarth ID scam report. An interim report was already submitted by State Committee headed by Director of Primary Education Dr Mahesh Palakar. Final report may by submitted in another 15 to 20 days. According to sources, considering a lot of complications in the investigations, the submission is likely to take 25 more days. Since the enquiry of Shalarth scam began, action was taken only against officers. The real beneficiaries like school-owners, teachers are still ignored. Various organisations demanded that enquiry should be conducted against the beneficiaries too. Considering this aspect, various committees have brought under the scanner.

 

Current month witnessed major developments in this scam. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis declared in State Assembly that the scam had ballooned to Rs 2,000-3,000 crore, which is a huge sum. Till now, various factors were hesitantly claiming that the scam was of Rs 300-500 crore. But what Fadnavis said holds weight. Till now, the educational institution directors, teachers and principals were not on record. Palakar Committee is trying its best to bring them on record. Dr Palakar told ‘The Hitavada’,

 

“The issue is very sensitive due to which we have to take a lot of care. Searching and inspecting every single document is a difficult task. Secondly, we have to check and re-check every paper before sparing anyone or adding to the list of accused. We are expected to study every aspect thoroughly and then write our conclusions, recommendations.” Government-run schools undergo tight scrutiny. It doesn’t happen with the aided schools. Those involved in the scam misused this loophole and exploited the system by appointing unqualified people, withdrawing salaries and tried to get the arrears in huge amount. In Nagpur, those took advantage paid huge sum to the institution management and education officers as a bribe. The nexus was between Education Officer (Primary) and the head of pay unit. The only solace to the committee is that the scope of this scam is only around Nagpur.

 

The committee has to work by isolating the district. The modus operandi applied while making appointments of teachers in primary schools in Nagpur district is very peculiar. Some fake appointments of other places and their style was different. Secondly, the number of fake appointments is not in bulk. The scam that took place in Nagpur district where appointments were made on the signature of the education officer who had already died. The arrears to the tune of Rs 50 lakh were availed. The modus operandi was altogether different and unique. Palakar has also been asked to submit report of Shalarth scam related to Nagpur district. Dr Palakar said, “We are trying to submit the final report within next 15 days.”