The Ministry of Education has initiated a high-level investigation into financial irregularities after discovering more than 200,000 duplicate student records within the Integrated Education Management Information System (IEMIS). These fraudulent entries were reportedly maintained over several years to misappropriate government budgets allocated for community schools.
Probe Panel and 15-Day Deadline
Through a ministerial decision made on Thursday, the ministry formed a five-member "Study and Monitoring Committee" led by Joint Secretary Shivakumar Sapkota. The panel is mandated to conduct a comprehensive audit of the duplicate and fake entries in IEMIS and perform on-site inspections at suspected schools. The panel must present factual details along with recommendations for strict action within 15 days.
Misappropriation of Welfare Grants
Official records show that state funds dedicated to student midday meals, scholarships, textbooks, uniforms, and per-capita grant (PCG) support were targeted by inflating IEMIS figures beyond actual classroom attendance. Earlier, on Ashoj 2, the Department of Education had circulated a directive ordering all community schools to remove fake and duplicate records by the end of Ashoj. The ministry stepped in with a probe panel after schools failed to fully comply despite repeated warnings.
Strict Penalties Promised
The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the rights of genuine students while taking strong legal action against those involved in corruption. Head teachers, IEMIS focal persons, and designated staff who created or supported false records face severe legal consequences. If organized financial fraud is uncovered, further deep-level investigations and maximum legal penalties will follow.
