Book depot scam comes to light, PSEB chairman acts against three employees

“Multiple ledger irregularities, minus balances, incomplete accounts, and serious negligence related to stock charge emerged during the examination of four years of records. Immediate action from senior authorities was necessary,” the report stated.

Based on the audit findings, the board entrusted the inquiry to a retired judge, Parminder Pal Singh. His report identified three officials as responsible for the discrepancies and recommended strict action. Acting on his recommendations, the board completed its local audit examination and has now chargesheeted the three employees posted at the regional book depots in Kapurthala and Jalandhar.

When contacted, chairman Dr Amar Pal Singh told The Indian Express, “After the audit report, three employees have been chargesheeted. They have been asked to present their explanation. Further action will be taken once their replies are reviewed.”

The financial mismanagement spanning incomplete ledgers, overwritten entries, missing stock records and minus balances has raised serious questions about accountability within the department. Further disciplinary action is expected once the charged officials submit their responses.