'Corruption in Plus Two NSS fund collection'; Parent complaints to Kerala Chief Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A parent wrote a complaint to the Chief Minister seeking a vigilance probe into the alleged corruption in the collection of the National Service Scheme conducted by the Higher Secondary Section. The parent of a child from Idukki district has requested an investigation into irregularities in the diary, badge and training camp fees.

The General Education Department started an investigation into the matter. Based on the complaint, it has been decided to print the diary and badge under the supervision of the government in the coming years.

A complainant pointed out the lack of tenders and discrepancies in collecting money illegally for the training camp from 2018 to 2024. He also alleged corruption over a private firm being allowed to print badges and a diary for the school. The former state coordinator assigned the printing to a press in Sivakasi when it could have been done at a lower cost in the state. The diary and badge were printed in poor quality. There are also irregularities in the amount collected for training for NSS program officers and volunteers. The registration fee for two volunteers (one boy and one girl) is Rs. 1650 and for a program officer, Rs. 1850. The financial transaction for the diary and badge is not through the bank, and there is no auditing.

The student gets the diary and badge when he enrols as an NSS volunteer for Plus One. Seventy-five thousand volunteers enrol every year. In this way, the NSS program coordinator receives Rs. 37,50,000. Till 2023, Rs. 50 was received from a volunteer for the diary and badge. Last year, this was increased to Rs. 70. After complaints, it is alleged that in some districts, Rs. 20 per child was returned to the district coordinators.