Jodhpur : A major corruption scandal has rocked the Rajasthan Education Department following a “DB Star” investigation, revealing a massive embezzlement of funds meant for the Right to Education (RTE) scheme. A department clerk (Babu) allegedly forged the signatures of the District Education Officer (DEO) to submit fraudulent physical verification reports, leading to a suspected misappropriation of nearly ₹12 crore across 50 schools.
The Modus Operandi
The scam came to light when it was discovered that the accused clerk had been bypassing official protocols to facilitate illegal payments to private schools. Under the RTE Act, the government reimburses private schools for educating students from economically weaker sections, but only after a mandatory “physical verification” of students and facilities by designated teachers.
In this instance, the clerk allegedly prepared fake verification reports using the names of teachers from Ekal Khori and Vasni areas without their knowledge. He then forged the DEO’s signatures to authorize these documents. In one specific case, ₹1.08 crore was siphoned off using the names of teachers who had no involvement in the verification process.
Suspension and Investigation
The accused clerk has been placed under immediate suspension. However, the scale of the fraud has sparked outrage among the teaching community and the public. Teachers whose names were used in the fake reports are demanding an FSL (Forensic Science Laboratory) investigation to clear their names and prove the forgery.
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Preliminary reports suggest that the total figure of the embezzlement could reach ₹12 crore as the investigation expands to include more than 50 schools in the Jodhpur region.
Growing Public Outcry
The revelation of the RTE scam has triggered a wider conversation about systemic corruption within the state administration. A social media campaign addressed to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan has gained momentum, alleging that corruption has permeated various departments, including Medical, Police, Revenue, and the District Collectorate.
Citizens and activists are now demanding a high-level probe by central and state agencies. “Every department seems to be rotting with corruption. We demand an immediate and thorough investigation by the CBI, ACB (Anti-Corruption Bureau), and SOG (Special Operations Group) to bring the masterminds to justice,” stated a public memorandum circulating alongside the news of the scam.
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While the Education Department has initiated an internal inquiry, the pressure is mounting on the state government to take “strict cognizance” and ensure that such administrative loopholes are plugged permanently.
