Vigilance raid in school finds illegal fund-raising and misappropriation

Thiruvananthapuram: In a raid conducted by the Vigilance team in 45 aided schools and 15 DEOs and AEOs, huge misappropriation of funds were detected.

It was found that schools were collecting fees under different titles.  Funds collected illegally were seized from many schools. A guardian who came to school with money to secure admission for his ward was also nabbed.

'Operation Eagle Watch' that started on Tuesday 12 pm lasted till evening.  It was found that managements of those schools which boast of high pass percentage and standard of education were collecting fees under different names.

Irregularities were found in granting approval for teaching and non-teaching posts.  Approvals were granted without considering priorities.  Files pertaining to filling of vacancies after retirement were delayed without any reason, preliminary investigation revealed.

Many schools have accepted capitation fees for plus-one seats.  Fees were collected from students under differend heads such as  PTA fund, school development fund and building construction fund.

The raid was conducted after allegations were raised from different quarters that schools were collecting illegal amounts.

Raids were also conducted in Sub-district educational offices after complaints were lodged against delaying of appointments in aided schools.