Sitamarhi News: The school principal was playing this game in Ratwara, Bajpatti, the game of ‘fake attendance’ in MDM, now he will have to pay a fine of more than Rs 4 lakh.

Sitamarhi: After a serious case of irregularities in the Mid Day Meal Scheme (MDM) came to light in Middle School Ratwara in Bajpatti block of Sitamarhi, Bihar, the department has taken strict action against the headmaster in charge. It has been proved to be a case of irregular withdrawal of scheme funds by showing the presence of children in the school many times more than the actual number. After departmental inquiry, a total financial penalty of Rs 4 lakh 81 thousand 334 has been imposed on the headmaster in-charge. In the order issued by MDM DPO Manish Kumar Singh, it has been clarified that by showing increased number of children in the school, not only irregular consumption of food grains was seen, but the amount was also misused. This strict step has been taken when the headmaster did not give any satisfactory answer despite seeking clarification.

According to the investigation report, many irregularities were found in the school. The DPO said that a surprise inspection was conducted on November 19, in which the headmaster was found absent and studies in the school were completely stalled. As soon as the information about the inspection was received, the headmaster in charge switched off his mobile phone, due to which none of the registers could be verified. Only 54 students were present in the school that day, whereas the average attendance of the last six days was shown to be 694 students. This difference directly confirms irregularities and excess withdrawals. After this, the headmaster was also found absent in the investigation conducted by the team of the District MDM Coordinator on 21 November. During interrogation of the cooks, it was said that 40 kg rice was cooked, but only 10 kg rice was actually found on the spot. This proved huge food shortage.

Considering the seriousness of the entire incident, the Establishment cum MDM DPO has recommended departmental action against the headmaster in-charge to the District Education Officer (DEO). The fine imposed includes Rs 1,52,640 worth of food grains and Rs 3,28,694 worth of 40 paise conversion. The Principal has been instructed to deposit the total amount in the specified account of Bihar State Midday Meal Scheme Committee, Sitamarhi within the stipulated time and provide the proof of deposit to the District Office.

Considering this as a very sensitive matter related to the interests of children, the department has made it clear that any kind of fraud or negligence will not be tolerated in the MDM scheme. In this matter, the department has also considered the weak monitoring of the block resource officer as serious. Due to lack of proper reporting and monitoring despite repeated irregularities found during inspections, an order has been given to deduct 10 percent from their monthly honorarium from November 2025. Along with this, it has been decided to conduct household wise survey to ensure transparency of MDM operations in all the schools of the district. The DPO said that the mid-day meal scheme is run to increase the nutrition and attendance of children. In such a situation, if any officer or employee manipulates this scheme, then strict administrative action is certain against him.