'State losing ` 131.29 cr from Mysore tuition centres'

Youth Congress leader alleges official high-handedness

General secretary of Mysore and Kodagu Lok Sabha constituency youth Congress committee P N Chethan alleged that the government has turned a blind eye to the irregularities of private tuition centres.

Addressing a press meet here on Saturday, he alleged that private tuition centres were not following any regulations of the Karnataka Education Act 1983, under section 35. The district administration, income tax department, Mysore City Corporation and Cesc have failed to take action against such tuition centres, which have caused a loss of Rs 131.29 crore to the government from Mysore city alone. Elaborating on the rules to be followed by private tutorials, he said details of teachers and fees amount should be provided to the education department during registration itself. “Tutorials should submit annual accounts to the department. But, the department officials are not worried as they receive their share of bribe.”

Explaining about the failure of income tax department, Chethan said the officials are negligent about collecting tax from tuition centres and are acting as agents of the tuition mafia. “The MCC is responsible for supervising facilities provided at tutorials, but it has failed to take action against them. Most tuition centres in Mysore lack basic facilities,” he said.

He blamed the Cesc for causing loss to the state exchequer. He said tutorials make use of modern electronic gadgets, but pay domestic purpose electric bills.“The deputy commissioner, also district magistrate, has power to take action against tutorials.

But he has chosen to ignore the irregularities.” Chethan said a memorandum has been given to authorities concerned, including the chief minister. If no action is taken, a public interest litigation would be registered in the High Court against the CM and other officials.

R Nagendra Prasad, Ajay Shasthri, Manju and Naveen Appugowda were present.