Daijiworld Media Network – Byndoor

Byndoor, Nov 14: Headmaster Girish Mesta of Baada Government Primary School in Byndoor taluk has been suspended over allegations of dereliction of duty and irregular expenditure of funds from the school's government and non-government accounts.

The suspension order was issued by Ashok Kamath, in-charge deputy director of the Udupi District School Education Department.

Shivaraj of Byndoor had lodged a complaint alleging that headmaster Girish Mesta had committed irregularities in the school's financial transactions during his tenure and had failed to properly maintain vouchers and receipts related to expenditure.

Following the complaint, the office of the deputy director had directed the Byndoor block education officer (BEO) to conduct an investigation and submit a report. The investigation conducted by the BEO reportedly revealed several irregularities concerning the school's financial transactions and administrative management.

The major lapses highlighted in the investigation report include improper maintenance of the cashbook relating to the school's transactions, failure to maintain records of School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) resolutions concerning recruitment and procurement processes, and expenditure of grants released by the department in violation of purchase regulations.

As the preliminary findings indicated violations of the Karnataka Financial Code and the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules by the headmaster while holding a responsible position, the department issued an order suspending him with immediate effect under the Karnataka Civil Services Rules (KCSR), pending a departmental inquiry.

The suspension order also states that he will be paid subsistence allowance during the suspension period as per the rules.