Unsafe rooms, missing computers, bungling mar infra upgrade project in Mohali school

Unsafe rooms, 22 missing computers and bungling of the Midday Meal scheme funds at the Government High School, Phase 5, have undone all the work done at the institution under the Punjab Sikhya Kranti in the last two years.

Headmaster Bharat Bhushan Beri has been chargesheeted in three cases but the Education Department has been “treading on the probe cautiously”.

After the matter was highlighted at several levels, Beri was transferred to Jalandhar only to rejoin the Phase-5 school within a week.

The morale of the teachers in the school management committee (SMC) has understandably taken a hit with frequent disagreements over the purchase of items, sources privy to the developments said, adding that many are tired of appearing in probe proceedings which “appear to be leading nowhere”.

When contacted, District Education Officer (DEO, Secondary) Dr Ginni Duggal said, “A probe underway in the case and appropriate action will be taken once the inquiry is completed.”

With a strength of around 400 students hailing from nearby areas, mainly children of migrant labour, the Phase 5 school has two blocks — Primary and High — with 18 rooms, of which five are under-construction.

A departmental probe had concluded that the reinforced cement concrete (RCC) columns in the under-construction rooms are missing. Besides, 22 computers are also unaccounted for. Bungling in Midday Meal records further mars the image.

The Headmaster has been chargesheeted with tampering of school records, forging employees’ signatures on the order book in the disappearance of 22 computers from the school premises on March 26.

Another chargesheet on March 13 mentions that the RCC columns in the library room are not according to the specifications (missing), the staircase leading to the first floor is narrow, unsafe in case of emergency situations. Construction was underway at the first floor as students were attending classes beneath in a potential safety hazard.

Concerns have also been raised about the structural stability of the under-construction building. Other key issues identified included the old staircase being narrow and uneven, posing a risk of accident and injuries to students.

The SDM and DEO have issued instructions to halt the construction work and the engineering wing of the Education Department has also submitted a detailed report highlighting the problem areas.

In a chargesheet dated October 14, 2024, the Headmaster was charged with embezzlement of wheat and rice amounting to Rs 3,285 besides irregularities in Midday Meal scheme.

Addressing the issue, DPI Gurinder Sodhi said, “I have joined yesterday. I will get it checked on Monday.”

Chandigarh