ANTL alleges SSA fund irregularities for Chandel schools
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 16 2025: The Anal Lenruwl Tangpi (ANTL) or the Anal Naga Students' Union, Chandel district headquarters, has raised serious concern over alleged irregularities and corrupt practices in the release of funds meant for construction and rejuvenation of school toilets and major repair works under the SSA in Chandel district.

In a statement, ANTL, while citing the Manipur High Court's order dated December 11, 2024, in WP(C) No 630 of 2024, pointed out that the court had directed the education (S) commissioner to consider the petitioner's representation submitted on May 21, 2024, for the release of funds for 64 schools in Chandel.

The court had further directed that the entire exercise be completed within three months from the date of receipt of the certified copy of the order, strictly based on the guidelines and rules laid down in SSA.

However, ANTL expressed dismay that the District Board of Education (DBE) and the office of the.

Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) in Chandel were not aware of the fund transaction, and there had been no intimation from the education (S) or SSA-SMA regarding the sanction of this particular work.

The union alleged that an accountant at the SSA-SMA head office in Babupara, Imphal, has been demanding Rs 30,000 for major repair works and Rs 15,000 for toilet construction or rejuvenation from each of the school headmaster or School Management and Development Committee (SMDC) as a precondition for releasing the sanctioned funds.

ANTL claimed that funds have only been released to those who paid the said amount, calling the practice "sad and surprising" .

"We will not allow such type of practices to continue in the system," the student union stated, urging the responsible authorities to immediately check and stop such malpractices.

The statement further alleged that some individuals who are close aides to an MLA have been lobbying for cash in exchange for the early release of funds, adding to the concern.

ANTL demanded transparency and integrity in the fund disbursement process and called on the government to ensure that the funds are released without any hindrance or burden on the intended beneficiaries.

The union maintained that the department must act wisely and ensure fair implementation of the scheme in the interest of the students and schools in the district.

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