GURGAON: The education department has initiated an inquiry into allegations of unauthorised commercial activities, illegal storage of merchandise and financial irregularities at govt schools in the district, after a teacher lodged a complaint alleging that the school premises were being used as private warehouses and commercial spaces.On October 28, Saroj Yadav, a PGT (physics) at Govt Girls Senior Secondary School (GGSSS), Gurgaon Block, made the complaint.During a surprise inspection conducted the same day, the block education officer (BEO), Gurgaon, found boxes containing footwear and other merchandise stored on the ground floor, in a corridor between the staircase and the toilets.According to the inspection report, the school sweeper admitted that the goods belonged to him and were stored on the premises before being sold outside the school gate. He also allegedly claimed that the principal had been aware of the arrangement.The BEO termed the storage of commercial goods inside school premises a violation of departmental regulations and sought the principal’s response along with CCTV footage.Following this on November 3, the officer issued a notice to the principal of the school, Suresh Kumar, seeking his explanation and CCTV footage of the school’s main gate from October 28.In her complaint, Yadav alleged that the matter went beyond unauthorised storage and pointed to possible irregularities in the engagement of contractual staff.“The sweeper has allegedly hired another person to perform his cleaning duties while the payment is being made through the school’s PPA account, without the director’s approval. He is using the school premises to store shoes, purses, bangles and cosmetics for sale. A contractual employee cannot outsource his assigned duties or use govt school infrastructure to run a private business,” she said.Yadav also alleged that similar commercial activities were taking place at GGSSS Jacobpura, where street vendors were allegedly allowed to operate in exchange for monthly payments.“Vendors bring their carts and sell food items inside the school campus, particularly during intervals when student footfall is high. This issue was highlighted in 2022 as well, but the practice allegedly resumed,” she said.Raising concerns over the safety of students in girls’ schools, Yadav said allowing unauthorised outsiders onto school premises could expose students to security risks.She urged the department to investigate the alleged financial arrangements, the role of school authorities and possible violations of student-safety norms.A copy of the BEO’s notice has also been sent to the district education officer for further action.
