Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh Human Rights Commission has taken a strict stand against the Basic Education Officer (BSA) of Lucknow and ordered the issuance of a bailable warrant worth ₹50,000. The action has been taken due to the officer’s absence at a scheduled hearing in a long-pending dispute regarding payment for school uniform supply. The Commission has directed that the warrant be executed through the Lucknow Police Commissioner.
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The case concerns the supply of school uniforms in the Lucknow and Bahraich districts, where an organisation has claimed that its payments have been pending for several years. According to the complainant organisation, uniforms were supplied during 2019–20 and 2020–21 in multiple blocks, including Mohanlalganj, Chinhat, and Risia block of Bahraich. However, an amount of approximately ₹1.33 crore remains unpaid to date.
The complaint was filed by Vijay Pandey, the president of the organisation, before the Human Rights Commission. He alleged that, despite repeated correspondence and follow-ups, the payment was not released, leaving the organisation in severe financial distress. Taking cognisance of the matter, the Commission had earlier directed both district education officers to remain present during the hearing.
As per the Commission’s order dated March 15, both BSAs were required to appear in the hearing scheduled on April 16. However, the Lucknow BSA failed to appear despite prior notice. The Bahraich BSA was reported to be on leave, though a representative attended the hearing on their behalf.
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Complainant Body Claims Severe Financial Crisis
During the proceedings, representatives of the complainant organisation informed the Commission that the delay in payment had severely affected their financial condition. They argued that despite the completion of supply and verification of documents, withholding payments was unjustified and arbitrary.
After reviewing the submissions, the Commission observed serious lapses and found the absence of the Lucknow BSA to be a case of administrative negligence. Consequently, it ordered the issuance of a bailable warrant of ₹50,000 and instructed that the Lucknow Police Commissioner ensure its timely execution.
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The Commission further directed that both the Lucknow and Bahraich BSAs must attend the next hearing without exception. It also instructed the complainant organisation to submit, within seven days, a complete list of schools and detailed outstanding payment records to facilitate recovery proceedings.
The matter has now raised concerns about the functioning of the education department, with questions about prolonged payment delays and a lack of accountability among officials. Administrative negligence and procedural delays have come under scrutiny following the Commission’s strong remarks.
May 19 Hearing Now Crucial in High-Stakes
Meanwhile, the complainant organisation has expressed hope that the Commission’s intervention will finally resolve the long-standing dispute. They maintained that continuous delays have created a financial crisis for the institution and affected operational stability.
At the departmental level, a review of the entire payment process has been initiated. Officials stated that records and documentation are being examined to determine the exact reasons behind the delay in clearing the dues.
The next hearing in the case has been scheduled for May 19, 2026, and attendance by both district education officers is mandatory. The Commission has also indicated that any further negligence or non-compliance will be dealt with more stringent action if required.
