Financial irregularities and misappropriation of Rs 106 million have been revealed in the World Bank-supported “Human Capital Investment Project” (KP-HCIP) in the Elementary and Secondary Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
After the investigation report confirmed the embezzlement, the Project Director has been removed from his post with the approval of the Chief Secretary, and disciplinary action has been initiated against him under the E&D (E&D) Rules.
The P&D department’s report has held three key officers, including the Project Director, directly responsible. They have been accused of weak oversight and negligence in financial control. The inquiry revealed that cheque books were provided to unauthorized persons and money was withdrawn from banks through collusion. According to the report, monthly reconciliation with banks was not done to hide the theft.
The report recommended that the case be referred to NAB and FIA for further investigation, recovery of money, and criminal proceedings. The project was launched with the financial support of the World Bank to improve the condition of schools in Peshawar, Haripur, Nowshera, and Swabi, including other districts, to build additional classrooms and raise the standard of education. However, the theft of funds has severely damaged the objectives of the project.
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