A massive corruption scandal has erupted within the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), shaking the education sector and raising serious questions about transparency in governance. The controversy surrounds a book procurement scam worth nearly Rs 4 crore, allegedly carried out under the pretext of improving learning resources in government schools. With the scam now under legal scrutiny, BTC Chief Executive Member Promod Boro has promised strict action against those involved, reiterating his administration’s commitment to clean governance.
The Education Department of the BTC, entrusted with enhancing academic infrastructure in one of Assam’s most sensitive and underdeveloped regions, is now under the scanner. Preliminary investigations suggest that inflated bills, forged documents, and supply of substandard materials were at the core of the alleged scam. Reports indicate that multiple book suppliers, in collusion with officials, executed procurement contracts without following proper bidding protocols. Many of the books delivered reportedly lacked official approval and were not part of the standard curriculum, pointing to a grave misuse of public funds.
The scam came to light following a series of whistleblower alerts and media reports. Civil society groups and student unions began pressing for an official inquiry, accusing the administration of negligence and failure to exercise due diligence. As pressure mounted, BTC authorities ordered a probe and subsequently handed over key documents to law enforcement agencies. The Assam Police’s economic offences wing is now actively investigating the matter, with sources confirming that arrests and seizures may follow soon.
More About BTC Book Scam
Promod Boro, who has championed administrative reform and zero-tolerance against corruption since taking office, wasted no time in addressing the controversy. Speaking to the media, he expressed deep concern over the betrayal of public trust. He affirmed that no individual or official, however influential, would be spared if found guilty. He added that systemic loopholes that allowed such fraudulent activities to flourish would be plugged immediately. His strong stance has received support from education activists and sections of the local community who seek accountability.
Meanwhile, opposition parties have seized the opportunity to corner the BTC leadership. The Congress and AIUDF have demanded a high-level judicial probe and criticized the BTC’s handling of educational resources. They argued that such scams jeopardize the future of thousands of students in the region. The matter has also taken a political turn with calls for greater transparency in all BTC-administered departments.
In the wake of the controversy, several education department officials have been summoned for questioning. The BTC Secretariat has issued suspension notices to at least four employees suspected to be directly involved in the irregularities. Officials have confirmed that digital and physical records related to procurement and fund disbursement have been seized for forensic examination. Initial audits suggest that nearly Rs 4 crore may have been siphoned off in just one financial year.
Cracks in procurement protocol revealed
The investigation has exposed how poorly enforced procurement protocols opened the floodgates to malpractices. Lack of an e-tendering process and minimal third-party audits created fertile ground for corruption. Experts are now calling for a robust revamp of the entire procurement chain to prevent such scams in future.
Community and student impact at the core Scam
What is most alarming is the potential academic setback for thousands of schoolchildren across BTC. Students from rural schools, who were the intended beneficiaries of this scheme, now find themselves with unusable or irrelevant books. Parents and teachers have voiced frustration, urging authorities to act swiftly to restore integrity in the education system.
As the probe deepens and more details emerge, the BTC book scam threatens to become a test case for Promod Boro’s anti-corruption promises. Public sentiment demands that accountability and justice be delivered without delay. With vigilance agencies tightening their grip and legal proceedings underway, the coming days will be crucial in determining whether BTC can redeem its commitment to clean governance and quality education.
Citizens and watchdog groups are urged to remain alert and report any further irregularities. It’s time for the community to stand together and demand transparency at every level of governance.
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