In a significant development in the fight against corruption in Odisha’s education sector, Smt. Prtavati Kumari Devi, a retired former Head Mistress in-charge and Secretary of SEC Sitapadi Project Upper Primary School (PUPS) in Baliguda Block, Kandhamal District, has been convicted for misappropriating government funds.
The conviction came following a vigilance probe that exposed her failure to execute the construction of a school building at Sitapadi, leading to substantial financial irregularities.
The Hon’ble Special Judge, Vigilance, Phulbani, pronounced the verdict, sentencing Devi to four years of rigorous imprisonment and imposing a fine of Rs. 50,000. She was immediately taken into jail custody to serve her sentence. Devi had been charge-sheeted by Odisha Vigilance under Section 13(2) read with 13(c)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Section 409 of the Indian Penal Code for criminal breach of trust.
Following the conviction, authorities plan to approach the competent body to halt Devi’s pension benefits, ensuring further accountability for her actions during her tenure.
A detailed report on the case is expected to follow, providing more insights into the investigation and its implications.
