Audit of govt school funds intensified in district

As part of the audit process, teams are conducting inspections according to a mandal-wise schedule, covering three to four mandals at a time from a central location

Metro India News | BHADRADRI KOTHHAGUDEM

The audit of government funds released to schools has been intensified across Bhadradri Kothagudem district as authorities examine the utilization of grants allocated for improving educational standards and strengthening infrastructure in government schools. As part of the audit process, teams are conducting inspections according to a mandal-wise schedule, covering three to four mandals at a time from a central location. Teachers representing government primary, upper primary, and high schools are required to submit financial records and supporting documents before the audit teams for verification. Schools receive official approval after their records are examined and certified.

As part of the audit process, teams are conducting inspections according to a mandal-wise schedule, covering three to four mandals at a time from a central location. According to official figures, the district has 784 government primary schools, 155 upper primary schools, and 111 high schools, with a combined student enrolment of 60,025. Every academic year, the government releases grants to schools based on student strength. Teachers are required to submit bills and expenditure records demonstrating how these funds have been utilised. Audit teams reportedly verify around 16 categories of financial and administrative records before certifying that the expenditure complies with prescribed guidelines.

Parents and some local observers have expressed concern that the audit process relies primarily on document verification rather than physical inspections of schools. They argue that audit teams generally scrutinize records submitted by teachers at designated centers instead of visiting schools to verify whether the infrastructure, equipment and other facilities claimed in the records actually exist and are benefiting students. They have urged the audit teams to conduct regular physical inspections of schools in addition to examining financial records, saying such measures would strengthen accountability and ensure that public funds deliver tangible improvements in education.