The plan to create websites of 18 district education offices (DEO) has come under the scanner. Schools authorities in the city are reportedly being harassed by the education inspectors (EI) who are forcing them to buy particular software.
Yagnesh Panchal, a technical advisor of a city-based school, has alleged that many EIs in the DEO are forcing school authorities to buy software manufactured by a Baroda-based company, Expedite Solutions. This company is also creating the websites of all the 18 DEOs across the state.
Panchal alleged that some of the EIs along with the officials of the company are approaching school authorities, forcing them to buy the software. He said that the DEO has asked all the schools to submit the basic information in order to publish them on the website.
"We were told to submit the information manually or in CDs. But now, the EIs are forcing us to buy a software which they claim, is an easy method to compile information about schools. They are also luring us to create our website by giving some concession," he said.
He further added that the company, which claims that in the open market the software would cost Rs69,000, is offering it to the schools at Rs9,500 only.
However, when asked about the allegations, DEO Ahmedabad, KK Rathod, denied such allegations and said that he hasn't received any complaints in this regard. "The company is creating our website and we have told the school authorities to provide the information which will be displayed on the website. The company is simply giving presentation about their software and it's up to the school to buy or refuse it. EIs are absolutely not forcing anyone," Rathod said.
Comments