Vadodara: A cluster resource centre (CRC) coordinator in Dahod district has been sent back to her parent school after a departmental inquiry found “negligence and collusion” in the alleged diversion of smart boards and educational kits meant for govt schools to a private institution in Fatepura.Purvi P Upadhyay, was serving as CRC coordinator of the Salra cluster in Fatepura taluka. A joint inquiry was conducted by the taluka primary education officers (TPOs) of Fatepura, Garbada and Sanjeli.According to the inquiry findings and a subsequent departmental order, smart boards, Nipun Bharat material and kits supplied under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) were found at Touch the Light, a private school in Fatepura.The probe examined how material for govt schools reached the private institution and the role of officials and employees in the process.District education authorities cancelled Upadhyay’s deputation as CRC coordinator and directed her to return to her parent school. The order also states that the action taken against her will be recorded in her service book.The case triggered a wider probe into diversion of educational material. Officials are examining the source of the material, the govt school to which it was originally allotted, and how it was transported to the private school.The roles of other teachers and employees are also under scrutiny. Further disciplinary action, including suspension, may follow if responsibility is established.The matter has also brought under scrutiny the links between the private school and individuals associated with educational institutions. Earlier findings indicated that three trustees of the private school were associated with educational institutions in various capacities.A team led by Anil Radadiya, vice-president of the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board, has begun recording statements of office-bearers connected to the case.“We will be submitting our report to the state govt soon,” he said.
