Vehari-A clerk of EDO education office has become the king of corruption and he has bought property worth millions of rupees in a short span of time, private schools’ owners and teachers alleged during a protest.
Teachers of private educational institutions face difficulties due to corruption of clerk Zulifqar, they said. They protested against him and demanded inquiry into the matter and dismissal of the clerk.
Malik Maqbool Langrial, a school owner told The Nation that the clerk abused power. He said the clerk is involved in huge corruption. He said that he considered himself as the owner of the office. The clerk determines and takes bribe from the owners and teachers of private schools, he said.
Malik Sajjad, owner of another school, said that related persons of education sector are irked due to irresponsibility of the clerk as he demands bribe for the verification of the PEF schools. “We face lots of difficulties due to blackmailing from him. High-up of Education Department should take notice against him,” he said.
Aslam Kamlana, owner of a school from Luddan, said that he used rough language with the private school owners and teachers. He alleged that the clerk received Rs5,000 from him for the verification of his school. Engineer Yasir Hayat Khan submitted complaints to the high-ups that Engineer Arshad with the collusion of the clerk received Rs10,000 to Rs25,000 illegally for the issuance of fitness certificates of a school building.
Ahmed Hassan said he complained to DCO Vehari against the corruption of the clerk but to no avail. Owners of schools and teachers protested against the corrupt clerk. The protesters said that Zulifqar committed huge corruption under the nose of EDO Education Shoukat Ali Tahir. They demanded action early dismissal of the clerk.
When contacted, clerk Zulifqar was unavailable for his version. However, the EDO said that he would inquire into the matter on merit. He said that if he was complained on the issue in black and white, he would take action against the clerk under PEDA Act.
Police directed to honour citizens: The policemen must respect and honour the citizens and no cop will be allowed to abuse of power or misbehaviour with the justice-seekers. Vehari DPO Ghazi Salahuddin stated at an open court held to listen to public complaints here the other day. Speaking hundreds of complainants, he appealed to the citizens to pinpoint and report misbehaviour on the part of policemen to his office. He assured quick action against the police official found negligent or rude, keeping identity of the complainant secret.
The DPO informed the citizens that the open courts are being held on daily basis on the directives of the Punjab government to provide immediate justice to the public. He said that cases would be registered on merit and no leniency would be shown with any person.
On the occasion, the DPO directed the SHOs to take strict action against the criminals and submit report in two days. The DPO also listened to the complaints of citizens and directed the officials concerned for their resolution.