Misappropriation of funds worth Rs 12.79 cr in Nagaland

Nagaland Vigilance Commission has established misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs 12.79 crore, meant for disabled children by the officials of the state's School Education department.
"It has been established that the officials of the department along with some private individuals were found to be involved in the misappropriation and manipulation of records pertaining to the period from 2011 to 2013," a notification issued by State Chief Secretary and Vigilance Commissioner C J Ponraj said here yesterday.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Police has been formed to unearth and identify the circumstances leading to the irregularities in the School Education Department in the utilization of the fund amounting to Rs 12,79,50,000 for implementation of the Inclusive Education for the Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS).

The charter of duties of the SIT is to visit all 11 districts in the state and to physically verify the materials procured and dispersed, the Commissioner said.
It would ascertain the actual existence of the disabled children as per the figure shown against each school while also examine files, documents and records of administrative approval, sanction orders, etc for withdrawal of funds and the records of disbursement.
The SIT would identify person(s) who are involved in implementation of the said programme and the misappropriation of funds thereof, the notification read.
The investigating body has been empowered to requisition and seize any files or documents required for the investigation and to interrogate any person(s) as accused as well as witnesses, arrest any officials or individuals found involved in implementation of the scheme, it said.

The team has also been directed to complete their probe within a period of four months and submit interim report to the Vigilance Commissioner and to the Court from time to time through the Inspector General of Police, State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption departments, the notification stated.