MADURAI
Complaining about lack of quality of laboratory equipment supplied to government schools in the State, a public interest litigation petition filed before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday sought a direction to conduct an inquiry into the matter.
The petitioner, K.K. Ramesh from Madurai, claimed that Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) was launched to enhance the quality of education at government schools. Under the scheme, funds were allotted for purchase of equipment for laboratories and books for libraries.
He complained that the RMSA funds allotted by the Centre were misused by some officials of School Education department. He said no tender was called for identifying suppliers of laboratory equipment and books. But, particular suppliers were chosen to distribute laboratory equipment, he said.
A huge sum was quoted by the suppliers for poor quality equipment, the petitioner said. He sought a direction to test the quality of the materials supplied and appoint a monitoring committee to inspect them.
He also sought formation of a high-level committee, including a retired High Court Judge, to probe violations and irregularities committed in the supply of the materials.
A Division Bench of Justices M. Sathyanarayanan and B. Pugalendhi sought a response from the State and adjourned the hearing till June 17.