St Xavier’s School faces financial irregularity charge

“The school had collected the amount for various reasons that are not allowed by the department. We have sought guidance from the deputy director of school education in the matter,” said Balasaheb Mane,education inspector,south zone.

Pinto was the principal of St Xavier’s from 1998 to 2010,following which he was transferred to St Mary’s School in Mazgaon and Jennifer Dias,the principal of St Mary’s was transferred to St Xavier’s in 2010.

Nana Kute Patil of the Buland Chhawa,an NGO,had filed several complaints,which were then investigated by the education department and the appointment of Pinto and Dias through a transfer was termed illegal. The education department said St Xavier’s and St Mary’s are run by different managements. According to the rule,in-house transfers can only be done at schools run by one management.

The school then moved Bombay High Court against the education department’s order. The court directed the education inspector to take a decision on the appointment of the principal in accordance with law and communicate the same to school management.

Father Pinto said they have not received any communication from the education department. “I have not heard about these allegations as have not received any communication from the department. If we do,I will seek legal advice,” he said.