‘MDM scam’ in WGH school

SHILLONG: A conglomeration of NGOs has alleged major scam in the functioning of Gimegre Deficit Upper Primary School in West Garo Hills.
In a memorandum submitted to the Director of Education (school education and literacy), the NGOs – comprising GSU, ADE, FKJGP, AYWO and FAEF – alleged that the school has not provided meals to the students under the midday meal scheme for almost two years (2015 and 2016) barring April 2015.
They suspected that the scheme conversion money was embezzled. To support their claims, the NGOs said around 25 quintals of rice were stocked in the village community hall and it was damaged and unfit for consumption.
Stating that it was a violation of the National Food Security Act, 2013, and the Centre’s Midday Meal scheme, the NGOs further alleged that there was large-scale misappropriation of funds in the school.
“It was also reported to us that the then MP of Garo Hills District, Agatha K. Sangma, donated Rs 3,00,000 for school development but we were told that a part of the school was constructed that was not accounted in terms of expenditure and cost overheads.
“The villagers reported that Ashael D. Shira, the local MLA, promised Rs 3 lakh in installations. Some of that money has been received by the School Managing Committee again with no real accounts except which did not tally with costs and expenditures,” the NGOs said.
They also alleged that Rs 1,76,682 was siphoned off by Jensing Sangma, the President of school managing committee, and Bongga Arengh, the Assistant Teacher.
The NGOs also slammed the Education Department over the matter saying during spot enquiry by the five organizations, Satalson D. Sangma, Joint Director of School Education and Literacy, West Garo Hills District, ordered the SDEO Dadenggre Sub-Division, W.G. Hills, to conduct an inquiry.