ABRSM President Accused of 19-year Salary Fraud

Ahmedabad : In a startling revelation, Balwantsinh Dangar, a dedicated teacher from Dahod, has raised serious allegations against Bhikha Patel, the president of the Akhil Bharatiya Rashtriya Shaikshik Mahasangh – Gujarat (ABRSM). Dangar has accused Patel of illegally receiving salaries and allowances for nearly two decades without performing his duties as a teacher. In a detailed complaint submitted to the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Dangar has demanded a thorough investigation into what he claims to be a blatant misuse of power by Patel and possible complicity by officials within the Gujarat Council of Educational Research and Training (GCERT), Gandhinagar.

According to Dangar’s complaint, Bhikha Patel was appointed as a State Resource Person and District Pedagogy Coordinator, with his official role listed as a teacher at Kada Primary School in Patan district. However, Dangar alleges that Patel has not fulfilled his teaching duties for the past 19 years, yet continued to draw a salary and receive various allowances. He further claims that Patel’s influential position as the president of ABRSM allowed him to manipulate the system and receive these payments unlawfully.

Dangar’s allegations do not stop at the salary discrepancies. He asserts that Patel has amassed considerable wealth through these alleged fraudulent practices. The complaint details that Patel spent approximately Rs 50 lakh on his daughter’s wedding, funds that Dangar claims were obtained through illicit means. Additionally, Patel is accused of owning a luxurious bungalow in Patan, a fleet of high-end cars, and leading a lifestyle that far exceeds the income of a government teacher.

The complaint has not only called for a thorough investigation into Patel’s assets but has also demanded that the State Government recover 15 years’ worth of salary paid to Patel. Furthermore, Dangar has urged legal action against the officials in GCERT who facilitated Patel’s appointment and continued employment under questionable circumstances.

When contacted, ACB officials acknowledged receipt of the complaint and stated that the petition regarding Patel’s alleged assets beyond his known income has been transferred to the Education Secretary for further review. The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications, shedding light on corruption within educational institutions in Gujarat.

This case raises critical questions about accountability and governance within the state’s education sector, and many are now waiting to see if the authorities will take action against those implicated.