HT Correspondent
NAGAON, June 25: The Assam Government has ordered a formal inquiry into alleged irregularities in the allotment of DISE and SEBA codes to private schools in Nagaon district following reports of procedural violations and fraudulent approvals.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu announced the decision on Thursday through social media, stating that the Department of School Education had initiated an investigation into the matter.
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According to an official order issued by the department, the inquiry was ordered after media reports and inputs from various sources indicated large-scale irregularities in the Office of the Inspector of Schools, Nagaon.
The allegations include the issuance of prior permission, DISE codes and SEBA codes to several private schools without the required documentation or approval from the competent authorities.
The department has entrusted Krishna Baruah, Secretary, Department of School Education, with conducting a detailed inquiry.
He has been directed to submit a comprehensive report within seven days of receiving the order.
The announcement of the probe has reportedly triggered concern within the Office of the Inspector of Schools, which is alleged to have been at the centre of the irregularities.
According to reports, a section of officials and employees allegedly facilitated the issuance of DISE and SEBA codes to private educational institutions in violation of prescribed procedures.
Earlier this week, the Inspector of Schools, Nagaon, reportedly acknowledged during a press conference that at least eight private schools had obtained DISE and SEBA codes through fraudulent means.
He also stated that some institutions had been operating using forged documents.
The alleged scam has drawn sharp criticism from various organisations in Nagaon, which have demanded a thorough investigation and strict action against those found responsible.
Several citizens and members of the academic community welcomed the government’s decision, expressing hope that the inquiry would restore transparency and accountability in the school affiliation process.
Meanwhile, questions have also been raised regarding alleged activities at the Inspector of Schools’ office after official working hours.
Some local residents have alleged that a section of Grade III and Grade IV employees regularly assemble at the office during the evenings, prompting calls for further scrutiny.
The Madhya Assam Koch Rajbongshi Students’ Union also demanded stringent action against educational institutions that allegedly secured DISE and SEBA codes through fraudulent means.
Addressing a press conference, the union’s General Secretary Ratul Kumar Rajbongshi called for the immediate closure of such schools and urged the government to dismantle rackets allegedly commercialising the education sector.
The organisation also demanded that no new private school be permitted to operate within a two-kilometre radius of an existing government school.
The inquiry report is awaited as the state government moves to examine the allegations and strengthen oversight of the school recognition and affiliation process.
