Dimapur, July 3 (MExN): The much-maligned Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) is now faced with the possibility of a government enquiry if the Nagaland Governor accedes to the demand of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF). The Federation has asked the Governor of Nagaland for a state-level independent enquiry into the functioning of the SSA, with special reference to Mokokchung. The NSF has alleged corruption. Mention may be made here that corruption charges against SSA conduits in various districts have surfaced in the recent times.
A representation addressed to the Governor by the NSF executive remarked corruption in the department of School education, in particular reference to Mokokchung’s SSA project implementation. The NSF alleged that the Deputy Inspector of Schools of Changtongya had deducted 50% from the total fund allotted for construction of a room under SSA in all government schools in Mokokchung district. The Federation mentioned that the said amount was returned to the villagers of Kelingmen and Asangma only when the act was made known to the public and the villagers pleaded that the money be returned. It was also informed that bogus names of schools have been included for reasons best known to the department.
In this regard the NSF has demanded a high-level independent enquiry commission into the matter. Matter relating to appointment and civil construction works under the SSA in all districts of Nagaland with special reference to Changtongya sub-division should be investigated. The commission should be fulfilled within 30 days with effect from the date of submission of this representation, the NSF stated. Further, the erring officers should be suspended immediately till the enquiry commission fulfills its task, the Federation added.
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