Mungeli/Raipur, Chhattisgarh — A major dispute involving the Chhattisgarh Diocese and the Chhattisgarh Diocese Board of Education has intensified, as both factions openly clash over the management of Chhattisgarh Diocese Board of Education and the administration of Rambo Memorial Higher Secondary English Medium School.
The controversy centers around allegations of illegal staff dismissals, financial irregularities, disputed elections, management legitimacy, and control over school accounts. While the current management committee claims legal recognition from the High Court, members linked to the former administration have accused the present leadership of serious administrative and financial misconduct.
Senior Officials Raise Serious Allegations
During a press interaction, Rambo School Co-Manager Sandeep Lal and Senior Manager Maggie Prasad raised several concerns regarding the functioning of the school and the Diocese Board.
According to them, administrative decisions were allegedly taken without following proper legal and procedural norms. They claimed that employees and teachers were dismissed without due process, creating fear and instability within the institution.
Sandeep Lal alleged that long-serving staff members were suddenly suspended or terminated without adequate explanation or disciplinary proceedings.
“Employees who dedicated decades of service to the institution were removed without being given a fair opportunity to defend themselves,” he stated.
“35 Employees Removed Without Proper Procedure”
Senior Manager Maggie Prasad claimed that nearly 35 teachers and staff members were removed from service in an unjust manner. She said several of the affected employees had worked at the institution for 20 to 30 years.
According to Prasad, employees who raised concerns regarding Provident Fund (PF) deposits, salary payments, and service-related rights allegedly faced retaliatory action from the administration.
She demanded an impartial inquiry into the matter to ensure that the rights of employees are protected and the truth is brought before the public.
Questions Raised Over Election Process and Committee Legitimacy
The former management representatives also questioned the legitimacy of the committee formation and election process within the Diocese administration.
They argued that objections had been raised regarding the elections conducted after the administrative term expired. The matter, they said, remains under consideration before the High Court and the Registrar of Firms and Societies Department.
According to the opposing faction, administrative decisions are allegedly being taken without completion of the statutory certification process under Section 27.
Financial Transactions and Bank Accounts Under Scrutiny
The controversy has also expanded into allegations involving school finances and banking operations.
Sandeep Lal stated that uncertainty surrounding the school’s bank accounts has affected salary payments, PF deposits, and routine administrative work. He called for an independent audit of financial records, bank transactions, and institutional accounts to determine the actual status of transactions allegedly involving millions of rupees.
Meanwhile, current management committee Vice President Atul Arthur accused the former administration of financial irregularities amounting to approximately ₹3–3.5 million (30–35 lakh rupees).
Arthur claimed that a proper investigation into financial records would reveal “several important facts.”
Former Principal Accused of Taking Official Documents
The current management has also accused former Principal Sophia J. Harrison of taking away important school documents, including cash books, ledgers, vouchers, bills, and administrative records.
However, members of the opposing side rejected these allegations, claiming the issue is being presented in a one-sided manner and demanding a fair and transparent investigation.
“High Court Recognized Current Committee as Legitimate”: Atul Arthur
Speaking to the media, Atul Arthur asserted that the High Court has recognized the present management committee as valid and did not grant relief to the opposing faction.
He stated that an appeal filed on December 13, 2025, had already been resolved and that the current committee continues to function legally and officially.
Arthur further alleged that certain groups are attempting to create confusion and instability in schools operated under the Diocese Board.
“The school will continue to function normally, and the future of students will not be affected,” Arthur said.
Parents Asked Not to Believe Rumors
As the dispute escalates, confusion and concern have spread among parents and students. The current administration has urged parents not to pay attention to rumors, while the opposing group continues to demand transparency and an independent probe.
Demand for Government-Level Investigation
The issue has reportedly reached top state authorities, including the Chief Minister, Education Minister, district administration, education department, and the Registrar of Firms and Societies.
Various stakeholders are now demanding a high-level investigation into the entire controversy to ensure that educational activities are not disrupted and that the interests of students, parents, teachers, and employees remain protected.
