The Maharashtra Government will conduct an inquiry into the irregularities perpetrated in the purchase of textbooks under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan.
The scheme is the Union Government’s flagship programme for achieving universal elementary education. SSA is mandated by the 86th amendment of the Indian Constitution. It has made providing for free and compulsory education to children in the 6 to 14 years age group a fundamental right. .
Making the announcement in the Legislative Assembly, Minister of State for Education, Ms Fauzia Khan said an inquiry would be conducted in the matter. To prevent such incidents in the future, vigilance squads would also be formed.
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Mr Eknath Khadse said the size of the scam could run into at least Rs 100 crore. The books, which have been bought by the State Government under the SSA, have been over priced.
These books neither have the markings of the publisher nor the printer. Further, the price of the book has not been mentioned. This is also a violation of consumer law, he said.
Ms Khan said that in 2006, the Gujarat Government was offering textbooks for Rs 406, while Maharashtra Government was selling the same books at Rs 450 in the current year. There has been no major cost escalation, she said. Mr Eknath Khadse pointed that Rs 450 is an inflated price, and therefore an inquiry should be conducted.