The Karnataka government took action against officers involved in the Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) for their negligence in implementing the Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) scheme.
Suspension of Officers
On January 30, the government suspended five officers, namely N.H. Nagura, A.S. Hattahalli, S.A. Mujawar, B.H. Millana Shetty, and Pundalika, who were Block Education Officers (BEOs) at the time of the case and currently serve in different sections of the department.
Criminal Offenses and FIR
An FIR has been filed against 56 DSEL officials and 22 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for criminal offenses, including document forgery during the implementation of the IEDSS scheme.
Inclusive Education for Disabled at Secondary Stage (IEDSS) Scheme
- Overview: A Central and State government-sponsored scheme initiated in 2009-10, replacing the Integrated Education for Disabled Children (IEDC) scheme.
- Objective: Enable students with disabilities to pursue four years of secondary schooling after completing eight years of elementary schooling in an inclusive and enabling environment.
Scheme Coverage and Components
- Eligibility: Covers children in government and aided schools with various disabilities defined under the Persons with Disabilities Act, 1995, and the National Trust Act, 1999.
- Supported Components: Includes financial assistance for medical and educational assessment, books, stationery, uniforms, transport allowance, reader allowance, stipend for girls, support services, assistive devices, board and lodging facility, therapeutic services, teaching learning materials, etc.
Irregularities and Mismanagement
- Allegations: Officials committed irregularities in releasing grants from 2009-10 to 2011-12, releasing funds to non-existent NGOs.
- PAC Findings: Public Accounts Committee (PAC) identified irregularities and recommended disciplinary action against officials involved in releasing funds to non-existent NGOs.
- CAG Report: Comptroller and Auditor General report objected to the release of additional funds to 18 NGOs, demanding a refund.
Disciplinary Action and FIR Registration
- Chargesheet Preparation: The Commissioner of Public Instruction prepared a chargesheet against 56 officials and submitted it to the government for disciplinary action.
- FIR Registration: Following government instructions, an FIR was registered on September 19, 2023, against the 56 accused officials and 22 NGOs.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the IEDSS scheme aimed at?
- A. Elementary Education
- B. Higher Education
- C. Secondary Education
- D. Technical Education
- How many officers were suspended in the Karnataka government’s action?
- A. Three
- B. Five
- C. Eight
- D. Ten
- What criminal offenses were mentioned in the FIR against officials and NGOs?
- A. Tax Evasion
- B. Document Forgery
- C. Assault
- D. Cybercrime
- Which scheme did IEDSS replace?
- A. IEDC
- B. ICDS
- C. RTE
- D. MGNREGA
- What did the CAG report object to regarding the funds released?
- A. Insufficient Funding
- B. Fund Mismanagement
- C. Delayed Funding
- D. Unauthorized Funding