PM-USHA scam: Five college officials suspended
Raipur | Correspondent: The Higher Education Department of the Chhattisgarh government has taken strict action in a serious case of financial irregularities in Mahasamund district. The department has suspended the principal of Loharakot College and four assistant professors of Pithora College with immediate effect. They are all accused of gross negligence and disregard for rules in the utilization of funds received under the central government's 'PM-USHA' scheme.
The entire incident involves financial irregularities related to the purchase of materials. The investigation revealed that Principal Dr. S.S. Tiwari violated financial rules in spending the PM-USHA funds. Meanwhile, the four professors from Pithora College – Dr. Seema Agrawal, Dr. Brihaspati Singh Vishal, Mr. Pithi Singh Thakur, and Dr. S.S. Diwan – did not follow the Chhattisgarh Store Purchase Rules while purchasing goods.
It is alleged that they did not maintain transparency in purchases made through the GeM portal, which is considered a violation of Civil Service Conduct Rules.
During the suspension period, the headquarters of all five officers has been fixed at the Regional Additional Director's office in Raipur. They will receive a subsistence allowance as per rules, but will not be allowed to leave the headquarters.
The government has clarified that a separate departmental inquiry will continue against them. This order has been issued in the name of the Governor of Chhattisgarh. Through this action, the government has sent a strong message that corruption or negligence in government institutions will not be tolerated and maintaining financial discipline is the responsibility of every officer.
PM-USHA Scheme
The full name of the PM-USHA scheme is 'Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan' (Prime Minister's Higher Education Campaign). This is an important scheme of the central government, the main points of which are given below:
Objective: The main objective of this scheme is to improve the quality of education in government universities and colleges of the states and union territories of the country.
Infrastructure: Under this scheme, a substantial budget is provided for building new labs in colleges, modernizing classrooms (Smart Classrooms), repairing old buildings, and purchasing new equipment. Equality and Access: This scheme focuses on areas with limited educational facilities, ensuring that students from remote areas also have access to better colleges.
Emphasis on Employment: The aim is to connect students with skill development programs so that they can easily find jobs after graduation.
