Lokayukta begins probe into denial of Rs 2 incentive to girl students

Lokayukta Justice P Vishwanath Shetty has taken suo motu complaint on a news report that stated that daily incentive of Rs 2 for girl children for attending school is not being distributed in the state.

Justice Shetty has directed the officials concerned to submit a report within six weeks on the issue.
To encourage girl students to regularly attend school, the state government had introduced a scheme to pay an incentive of Rs 2 per day to every girl studying in Class 1 in government schools, towards daily attendance.

“The scheme is laudable since it is meant to empower the girl child. Any lethargic, indifferent attitude and dishonesty on the part of persons in charge of implementing the scheme may have to be viewed seriously.

“Dereliction of duty in any form in the implementation of the said programme and non-payment of money due to the girl child need to be considered as maladministration within the meaning of Section 2 (10) of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act,” Justice Shetty stated in the order.

The Lokayukta has taken up suo motu investigation and directed the Deputy Directors of Public Instruction (DDPI) of all the districts to conduct an enquiry immediately.

Report sought

Officials have been directed to submit the report with details as to how many girl children are studying in Class 1 in government schools, in whose bank accounts the money is lying and who are responsible for the default.

The Lokayukta has also directed officials to speak to parents on the distribution of money. “It is needless to point out that any intimidation of parents of the child by anyone to secure inaccurate report, will be viewed seriously. If the amount is required to be deposited into the account of the child, if it has not been done, the reason for not doing so should be explained (sic).’’

The DDPIs are directed to send the report to the Lokayukta registrar and also to the director, Department of Public Instruction.