Watchman illegally rents out govt college’s premises

KARACHI: The watchman of the Government College for Women located in Korangi no. 4 has illegally allocated section of the college premises on rent for over six years.

The Anti-Corruption Unit or the Education Department has failed to take any action over the scam involving Rs10.46 million in illegal rents. Several classrooms of the college have been turned into a store for cooking pots of nearby eateries, flower petals and fruits.

The watchman named Ijaz Hussain Shah along with several officers has illegal given the postgraduate building on rent for several years. This has raised doubts over the College Education Department which recorded the statement of college officers but has not taken any action.

Around 17 classrooms have been illegally given on a monthly rent on Rs204,000. Many eateries as well as waiters and food vendors have been allotted classrooms on a monthly rent of Rs12,000 each.

This is being done with the approval of college principal Ms Talat. Investigation revealed that several colleges of the College Education Department is also involved and received underhand payments.

The watchman also runs a local eatery named Haq Fareed whose employees live inside the college. Furthermore, it has been revealed that four sons-in-law and two daughters of the watchman also reside there and illegally consume electricity and water of the college.

An inquiry committee was formed by the College Education Department which submitted a report that the watchmen has caused a massive loss to the college. Director Colleges Gulab Rai conducted a raid which revealed that the college was illegally occupied and its premises were given on rent for six years.

The director swiftly acted and withdrew the charge of principal from Ms Talat but no action has been taken against the influential watchman. No efforts have been made to evict the illegal occupants from the building.