Bihar Education Department Pays ₹44.85 Lakh for Non‑existent School Building

A startling case of financial mismanagement has emerged from Katihar, Bihar. The state’s education department authorized a total outlay of ₹44,85,000 for the construction of a new primary school in Digapara, Pranpur block. Official records claim the structure is complete, yet an on‑site inspection showed only a water‑logged parcel of land with no foundation or walls.

The project was tendered in 2024 under reference 2024_BSEB_314680-1. The selected agency received three scheduled payments: the first ₹15 lakh on 18 April 2024, the second ₹15 lakh on 28 September 2024, and the final ₹14.85 lakh on 12 March 2025. A completion certificate was issued on 25 March 2025, despite the physical absence of the school.

Villagers, who had donated the land for the benefit of local children, organized a drum‑filled protest and approached the collectorate. They submitted a formal complaint to the Sub‑Divisional Officer (SDO) and the Sub‑Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), demanding accountability and a genuine investigation.

SDO Suraj Kumar responded by promising an immediate site verification and strict punitive measures against the contracting firm and any officials who facilitated the fraud. The incident has raised serious questions about the transparency of government procurement processes and the protection of rural education funds.

This scandal adds to a growing list of alleged irregularities in Bihar’s public‑sector projects, emphasizing the need for robust audit trails and community monitoring.