MHRD to block funds to State Polytechnic
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 14 2013 :
In what could be termed as a setback in technical education in the State, the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Higher Education, Government of India has warned the authorities of Government Polytechnic, Takyel to curtail all funds if the utilization certificate of schemes implemented by the Institute is not submitted within a short time.
Most unfortunately, funds amounting to lakhs of rupees have also been withdrawn from the Ministry of HRD under the bogus name of Government Women's Polytechnic, Takyel.
According to a reliable source, the Government Polytechnic had taken up a scheme known as "Community Polytechnic" under Ministry of HRD for imparting technical education to the youths.
The scheme was abolished on July 21, 2007 and a new scheme "Community Development through Polytechnic" was started.
However, the Ministry had asked the Principal of Government Polytechnic to submit the utilization certificate of the "Community Polytechnic" Scheme in which more funds were utilized in payment of teachers' salaries.
The Principal at that time had not responded to the request of the Ministry.
On June 4 this month, the Ministry has strictly warned the authorities of Government Polytechnic that funds for all future schemes would be curtailed if the utilization certificate of "Community Polytechnic" Scheme is not submitted within a short time.
On October 14, 2009, new Principal L Ibomcha, who took charge from the previous Principal Kh Rajchandra, submitted a detailed report to the Controller of Technical Education and State government regarding the discrepancies in the scheme.
He had also requested the Ministry of HRD to sanction funds for new schemes in the interests of the State, but the request was denied by the Ministry.
Surprisingly, the utilization certification for the bogus Government Women's Polytechnic was submitted by the Principal in whose tenure the "Community Polytechnic" Scheme was implemented.
The utilization certificate mentioned a loan of Rs.2.95 lakhs taken by the Women's Polytechnic from the Ministry.
The Ministry of HRD had even asked reasons for non-repayment of the loan taken by the bogus Polytechnic.
The source further mentioned that the State government actually knows the defaulters in this scandal, but they have been covered up by Ministers and MLAs.
The conduct of such corrupt officials has deprived several opportunities for the youths.
The youths of the State would gain lots of benefits from the scheme of "Community Development through Polytechnic" once the utilization certificate of the previous scheme is submitted to the Ministry concerned.
Many have also drawn the attention of Education Minister M Okendra to streamline the functioning of the lone Government Polytechnic of the State to benefit the youths in terms of technical skills and employment generation.
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