Patna: A serious issue has come to light in Bihar’s education department after it was found that accounts for Rs 193 crore spent on government school schemes are still missing. The money was used for civil works in schools, such as construction and repairs, but the required detailed contingent (DC) bills have not been submitted to the Accountant General’s office. This has raised concerns about financial discipline and transparency within the department, leading to strong reactions from senior officials in Patna.
According to the education department, all districts were clearly instructed to submit the DC bills on time, as this is a mandatory process after any government expenditure. However, despite repeated reminders, several districts have failed to follow these directions. Officials have described this delay as serious negligence and have warned that it could harm the department’s reputation. More importantly, the lack of proper accounts may affect future funding for education schemes in the state.
Naveen Kumar, State Project Director of the Bihar Education Project Council, has written to all District Education Officers, asking them to ensure immediate submission of the pending bills. He stated that on January 2, officials were directed to submit 100% of the DC bills by January 15, but many districts are still yet to complete the process. District Programme Officers have now been warned that strict action will be taken if the accounts are not submitted by January 19.
To resolve the issue quickly, the education department has announced strict measures. Offices will remain open on Saturdays and Sundays, and special camps will be organised from the block level to the district level to collect all pending bills. Account assistants, engineers and headmasters have been instructed to be present at these camps. The department has also made it clear that headmasters and officials who show carelessness in submitting the accounts will face disciplinary action, underlining that financial accountability will not be compromised.
