Pune: The Shalarth ID scam investigation has hit a major delay. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed in August to probe the illegal entry of ineligible teachers and staff into the state’s Shalarth salary system has still not completed its work. Officials now say the SIT may need more time, practically confirming an extension.
This comes just days after an education sub-inspector was caught red-handed by the Anti-Corruption Bureau in the Pune Divisional Deputy Director’s office while accepting a bribe for creating a Shalarth ID. The arrest has once again put the spotlight on the massive irregularities in the Shalarth system and the SIT’s pending report.
The School Education Department had received complaints from public representatives, organisations and citizens that unqualified teachers and non-teaching staff were being inserted into the Shalarth system and paid salaries illegally.
Complaints flagged serious irregularities in Nagpur, Nashik, Jalgaon, Beed, Latur, Mumbai. As a result, a powerful SIT was formed in early August headed by Pune Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar. Inspector General Manoj Sharma and Joint Director Haroon Atar are key members.
The SIT was tasked with investigating. Personal approval of teaching and non-teaching staff. School approval records. Salary releases through Shalarth. Recognition processes in aided and partially aided schools. System loopholes and required amendmentsThe team was given three months. But four months later, the probe is still far from finished.
Over 200 Complaints. Probe Still Crawling
More than 200 complaints regarding fake approvals, illegal recognitions and suspicious salary disbursals are under scrutiny. Officials say the scale of irregularities is far bigger than expected.State Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh confirmed, “The SIT is still investigating. More than 200 complaints have been received. Manpower has been provided. The report will be analysed once submitted.”With the investigation nowhere near completion, insiders say the SIT will definitely be granted an extension. Meanwhile, the Shalarth system, already riddled with corruption, remains under a cloud.
