J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau Initiates Probe into Alleged Embezzlement of Mid-Day Meal Funds
PTK NEWS DESK
The recent filing of an FIR by the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (J&K ACB) against Abdul Rashid Dar, the former Mid-Day Meal Incharge of Zone Mawar in Kupwara District, has brought to light serious allegations of misappropriation of funds intended for the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) scheme. This case, stemming from a preliminary inquiry conducted by the J&K ACB, centers on accusations that Dar fraudulently diverted significant sums of money allocated for the MDM program to his personal account at J&K Bank, Qalamabad.
Established in 2004 with the aim of bolstering school attendance and supporting education, the Mid-Day Meal Scheme has been a vital component of educational initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir. However, revelations from the investigation suggest that a substantial amount of funds meant for Zone Mawar’s MDM program may have been siphoned off. Documents indicate that between 2017 and 2019, an allocation of Rs 73,66,335 was designated for the program, yet Dar is alleged to have redirected Rs 7,07,495 to accounts associated with 14 schools before purportedly withdrawing the funds in cash from MDM in-charges, claiming that they were being returned to official accounts.
In response to these concerning findings, FIR No. 14-2024 was registered at ACB Baramulla under the provisions of the JK PC Act. As part of their investigation, authorities have obtained court-issued search warrants and commenced search operations at three locations in Handwara. These searches are being overseen by executive magistrates and independent witnesses, underscoring the thoroughness and impartiality of the investigative process.
The ongoing investigation underscores the J&K ACB’s commitment to upholding integrity and accountability in government programs, such as the Mid-Day Meal Scheme. As further details emerge and the case unfolds, it is imperative that transparency and justice prevail to safeguard public funds and ensure the effective implementation of initiatives aimed at improving educational outcomes for students across the region.
