MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The irregularities in the Benazir Income Sports Program (BISP) have come to light in Neelum district, where 46 government teachers have been accused of misappropriating BISP funds.
As per details, the teachers at senior, junior, and primary school levels allegedly embezzled the funds along with their salaries over an extended period.
The District Education Officer (DEO) Neelum has issued a letter to heads of educational institutions and the defaulting teachers, demanding the immediate return of the embezzled money.
The letter, which includes the names of all 46 teachers, states that despite previous letters to deposit the money through challan, the teachers have failed to comply.
Earlier on September 20, 2024, DEO Neelum issued a letter to all teachers involved in the scandal, instructing them to deposit the embezzled money within the given time. However, the defaulters failed to return the BISP funds.
The scandal has sparked widespread outrage, with civil society strongly protesting the involvement of government teachers in the scandal.
The incident has also raised questions about the lack of disciplinary action taken against the teachers, who have been accused of depriving deserving individuals.
It is pertinent to mention that the Benazir Income Support Program, which was digitized to prevent such scams, has been plagued by corruption in the past.
The education department’s failure to take strict action against the defaulting teachers has been criticised, with many calling for their dismissal from service.
