Kipa rubbishes education fund misappropriation by him

Itanagar, Jul 4 (UNI) Arunachal Pradesh Education minister Tatar Kipa today denied his involvement in the misappropriation of fund, meant for Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in the state.

The Anti Corruption Forum of Arunachal (ACFA), an ngo, has accused the minister of misusing the funds for SSA in Kurtung Kumey district.

The allegation came at a time when the newly elected panchayat leaders of the district have also demanded a CBI probe into the scam.

Mr Kipa said the allegations were baseless and a handiwork of some vested interest individuals.

He said that a legal action against a prime accused in the scam, deputy director of school education (DDSE) T Mibang and contractor Bake Tach Anthony was initiated by the government.

"The state government assures that justice would be delivered and no stone will be left unturned to punish the guilty for the misuse of public money," the minister said in a statement.

He informed that police were investigating the scam following an FIR lodged against Anthony at the Sangram police station, which subsequently arrested him and recovered Rs 14 lakh.

The minister said that Mr Anthony had drawn Rs 43 lakh fraudently in collusion with the DDSE and assured that police were investigating the case.

The DDSE has been put under suspension for his alleged involvement in the scam and departmental proceedings were under process against him, he added.

Meanwhile, several newly elected panchayat leaders of Parsi Parlo have demanded the CBI inquiry into the misuse of SSA funds.

In a joint statement, eleven leaders have alleged that rampant corruption in the SSA schemes were reported in Kurung Kumey district. The leaders claimed that funds meant for development of interior places were being misused by a few and there was a growing resentment among the people, who were being denied benefits.

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