OUR CORRESPONDENT
ITANAGAR: A nine-member technical expert committee constituted by the Tirap district administration in Arunachal Pradesh, to conduct a probe into the distribution of alleged defective laptops to toppers of CBSE exams in the district, has confirmed in its report that the computers supplied were indeed defective.
A total number of 18 meritorious students, who performed well in Class X and XII exams conducted by CBSE, were provided free laptops by the education department in the district during a programme organised on June 20. The laptops were given as part of the district academic toppers award 2021-22, being implemented by the Directorate of Secondary Education (DSE), under the scheme as announced in the state budget.
However, eight students have returned their laptops at the DC office alleging that the machines were used and old ones and could not be used due to technical malfunctions. They also alleged that the laptops showed severe signs of wear and tear, scratches besides vulgar videos stored in it with names and signatures of previous users.
Tirap Deputy Commissioner Hento Karga constituted an expert committee headed by a circle officer, to probe into the matter. “The state government has decided to replace the laptops with new ones. To avoid any kind of further embarrassment, the district administration has decided to thoroughly check the new machines before handing them to the students,” DC Karga said.
The DC added that any action that may be initiated against the vendor who had supplied the faulty machines would be taken up by the state education department. Meanwhile, the education department has decided to blacklist the firm that supplied the laptops.
An official of the department said that the supplier had been selected after following the due tender process. “There are terms and conditions for the supply of these laptops. From whatever information we have received from Tirap, it looks like terms and conditions have not been met. Accordingly, we are going to blacklist the firm. Also, an inquiry will be conducted into the allegation,” the official said.
The official added that payments are released only after verification and a report submitted by the DC and the Deputy Director of School Education (DDSE) of the district. If found guilty, payments would not be made. As of now, no payment has been made, he added. The All Tirap Students’ Union (ATSU) on Monday, in a memorandum to the DDSE, sought a thorough investigation against all officers involved in manipulating the district academic toppers award 2021-22.
Also Read: Toppers in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh return laptops; DC constitutes probe panel
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