Probe Launched Into Sri Dasmesh Academy Scandal

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has ordered an audit and investigation into Sri Dasmesh Academy due to allegations of financial misconduct and mismanagement. This follows a district officer's preliminary inquiry. The probe aims to identify misuse of funds, property, and a possible fake PhD degree of the principal.

An investigation has been launched into the management of Sri Dasmesh Academy in Sri Anandpur Sahib, situated on 180 acres of government land, as directed by Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains. The minister has called for both a special audit and a thorough probe into allegations of financial irregularities, mismanagement, and infrastructure decay.

A preliminary inquiry by the Rupnagar district education officer revealed significant lapses, prompting this directive. The investigation will delve into embezzlement of trust funds, misuse of institutional property, and criminal negligence leading to infrastructure decay. Additional scrutiny is on the alleged fake PhD degree of the academy's principal, with the Punjab Police tasked to secure all relevant documents promptly.

With a 30-day timeline for the investigation's completion, Bains stated the findings would be presented to Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann for necessary action. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of educational institutions, vowing not to let public education entities operate at the expense of public trust and student welfare.

(With inputs from agencies.)