Parents and NIPTA submit documents; serious questions raised over fee collection, withholding of students’ documents, teachers’ salaries and financial transactions
Haldwani/Nainital: The difficulties facing Vendy Senior Secondary School, located in Gaulapar, appear to be mounting as the Joint Inquiry & Inspection Committee constituted to investigate the school has intensified its probe. In the latest development, the National Independent Private Teachers Association (NIPTA) and aggrieved parents have submitted documents and records before the inquiry committee, alleging serious irregularities by the school management.
The complainants have alleged that the matter is not limited to a fee dispute and that several issues concerning students’ academic documents, teachers’ salaries, fee collection and the school’s financial transactions have come under the committee’s scrutiny.
Allegations of Students’ Futures Being Affected in Fee Dispute
Parents have alleged that a student’s original Class 10 marksheet was withheld over a fee dispute. According to the complaint, the non-availability of the document affected the student’s further education, with the complainants claiming that two academic sessions were consequently lost.
The complainants have also alleged that the student’s Transfer Certificate (TC) mentioned an outstanding amount. Similarly, the issue of documents allegedly being withheld from Class 12 pass-out student Tarun Sharma has also been brought before the inquiry committee.
School Management Faces Questions Over Teachers’ Salaries
NIPTA has cited orders issued by the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Nainital, while raising allegations of serious irregularities concerning teachers’ salaries. According to the organisation, the salary-related matter of former teacher Amit Joshi has also surfaced in government records.
Complaints regarding teachers allegedly not being paid according to the prescribed pay scale and alleged violations of service conditions have also been submitted to the inquiry committee. If these allegations are established during the investigation, they could raise serious questions about the functioning of the school management.
Allegations of Fee Collection Through Private Accounts and UPI
The most serious aspect of the case is being described as the school’s alleged financial transactions. NIPTA and parents claim that information obtained through RTI and audit reports has revealed financial transactions that require detailed scrutiny.
The complainants have alleged that despite the institution’s non-profit status, entries relating to substantial profits have surfaced. They have also alleged that members of the management committee and their relatives were allegedly provided advances or loans from institutional funds.
In addition, allegations have been made regarding the use of parallel bank accounts and private UPI channels for collecting school fees.
The authenticity of these allegations and compliance with applicable financial regulations are now expected to form an important part of the committee’s examination of the school’s records.
Alleged Collection of Additional Charges Under Several Heads
Parents have also alleged that, apart from tuition fees, the school collected additional amounts under heads such as electricity, water, SMS and receipt charges.
The complainants have demanded that the legality of these charges and the procedure followed by the school for collecting them should also be examined.
Demand for Return of Original Documents and Action Against Management
NIPTA and the parents have urged the inquiry committee to ensure the immediate release of students’ withheld original academic documents. They have also demanded that Transfer Certificates be issued as per applicable rules without mentioning outstanding dues and that the school’s compliance with the State Government’s NOC requirements and CBSE affiliation norms be examined.
The complainants have sought strict punitive action against the school management if alleged violations of rules are established during the investigation.
All Eyes on Inquiry Report
The Joint Inquiry & Inspection Committee is currently examining documents and records related to the school. The allegations can be conclusively established only on the basis of the committee’s findings and the relevant government records.
The key question now is how much truth is established in the allegations concerning withholding of students’ documents, fee collection, teachers’ salaries and financial transactions.
The committee’s report will ultimately determine which of the allegations against the school management are substantiated through documentary examination and in which matters action is recommended.
