Digital blackboard scheme in Jagatsinghpur under vigilance spotlight

Jagatsinghpur district’s push to modernise classrooms with digital blackboards has been marred by a corruption scandal. Chandrajeet Parija, who oversaw the procurement and technical review for the Statewide Education Campaign, allegedly extracted ₹30,000 from a contractor in exchange for approving the pending invoices.

The contractor, frustrated by repeated refusals to inspect the installation work, approached the state vigilance department. After verifying the claim, officials arranged a sting on October 7. The cash exchange was captured on video, leading to Parija’s immediate detention.

The incident has sparked a broader scrutiny of infrastructure projects across Odisha, with authorities indicating that additional raids and searches are underway at three locations linked to Parija’s assets under the DA (Disproportionate Assets) investigation.