Patna: Fresh questions have emerged over the investigation into the alleged irregularities in Bihar’s Rs 885-crore procurement scheme for government schools, with official documents indicating that findings from the initial inquiry were significantly altered in a subsequent report.
The procurement programme involved the supply of benches, desks, school bags, plates and borewell-related equipment to government schools across the state.
The matter had triggered complaints, was raised in the state legislature, and led to the registration of FIRs. However, a later inquiry reportedly omitted many of the irregularities identified in the original findings, raising concerns over the transparency and credibility of the investigation.
Discrepancies in Inquiry Data
According to the report, the inquiry in Buxar district was ordered by the Additional Chief Secretary, following which the District Magistrate constituted a team of 79 officials to inspect 705 schools.
However, official records show inconsistencies in the figures. While benches and desks were reportedly supplied to 851 schools in the district, inspections were conducted in 705 schools, but the final report mentioned only 697 schools. Procurement records also allegedly lacked the names of authorised suppliers, with some entries carrying individuals’ names instead of registered agencies. In some cases, even grocery shops were reportedly listed as suppliers, while several records were found to be incomplete.
Buxar Treated as ‘Sample District’
Complainant Shiv Prakash Rai alleged that the irregularities extended across all 38 districts of Bihar. He claimed that the Additional Chief Secretary had earlier stated Buxar would serve as a “sample district” before similar inquiries were carried out in the remaining districts.
He questioned why investigations in other districts, including Buxar, were yet to be completed despite disciplinary action already being taken against District Education Officers in Khagaria, Kishanganj and Nalanda.
Ground Report Raises Quality Concerns
According to the report, on-ground inspections found poor-quality materials in several schools. Benches were allegedly found broken into multiple pieces, while borewell installations were incomplete or non-functional. In some schools, borewells had pumps but damaged pipelines, while in others, both pumps and pipelines were present but failed to supply water.
Teachers reportedly stated on record that certain District Programme Officers (DPOs) had procured materials through agencies linked to their relatives. They also alleged that the supplied materials did not meet prescribed quality standards.
Block Education Officer’s Statement
Sunil Kumar, Block Education Officer (BEO) of Itarhi, stated that the FIR was registered under instructions from senior district officials.
“I lodged the FIR under considerable pressure and on the directions of district-level authorities. The block administration had no role in procurement, vendor selection, supply or distribution. The entire process was coordinated directly at the district level,” Kumar said.
Education Minister Promises Review
Responding to the controversy, Bihar Education Minister Mithilesh Tiwari said the government follows a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption.
“If there has been any attempt to suppress facts or any irregularity at any stage of the investigation into the Rs 885-crore scheme, those responsible will not be spared. I will personally conduct a comprehensive review of the entire matter,” the minister said.
