Fraud Unveiled in Kashmir’s School Construction Funds

The Economic Offences Wing in Kashmir charged seven individuals over fund misappropriation in the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan scheme. The accused allegedly conspired to divert funds meant for school building work in Kupwara. The project remained incomplete, deviating from approved plans, resulting in a filed chargesheet.

The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch in Kashmir has filed a chargesheet against seven individuals accused of diverting funds allocated under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme. These funds were meant for building school infrastructure in Kupwara district.

The investigation revealed that Rs 5,73,592 was released for constructing a school building, kitchen, toilet, and ramp in Hampora Kralgund. However, the funds were misused, resulting in an incomplete structure contrary to SSA guidelines. Allegedly, the accused officials conspired with the contractor, erecting a double-storey structure instead of the approved single-storied one.

The chargesheet, filed on Saturday, concluded that both officials and the contractor not only failed to complete the project but also illegally occupied the building. The court will now determine the judicial outcome following the submission of the charges.

(With inputs from agencies.)