“Education Minister” exposes 12 million dinars violations, forms investigative committee

The Minister of Education, Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei, has issued a decision to form a fact-finding committee tasked with investigating the failure to implement thousands of administrative decisions with financial implications that have accumulated over the years. This investigation has uncovered financial debts amounting to approximately 12 million dinars, which have not been collected for the state treasury.

This decision follows multiple comments, reports, and complaints received by Minister Al-Tabtabaei regarding the accumulation of debts from current and former employees within the Ministry of Education, highlighting concerns about the waste of public funds. In response, the Minister promptly instructed the inspection and audit team in his office to investigate these claims, ensuring that a comprehensive report would be prepared with full transparency and clarity.

The field visits and audits conducted by the inspection team, in collaboration with the Director of the Financial Department and his team, revealed significant violations. These included over 100,000 unimplemented administrative decisions, leading to substantial financial obligations that were not collected for the Ministry’s treasury. Additionally, thousands of other unexecuted decisions were identified, including unpaid entitlements for Ministry employees, which represents a clear violation of government systems and regulations.

According to the ministerial decision issued by Al-Tabtabaei, the fact-finding committee is tasked with several key responsibilities. These include identifying administrative decisions with financial impact, verifying that the Financial Affairs Department has received these decisions, and reviewing financial and administrative records and books. The committee will also have the authority to summon and investigate relevant employees to determine their accountability for the non-implementation of these decisions.

The committee will also establish a structured system for conducting its work, with the option to seek assistance from internal experts within the ministry to ensure the successful achievement of its objectives. Upon completing its investigation, the committee will submit its findings and recommendations to His Excellency Minister Al-Tabtabaei, who will then take the necessary legal actions based on the results.

Administrative System Reform

Al-Tabtabaei emphasized that the Ministry of Education is committed to reforming its administrative and financial systems, aiming to improve the efficiency of internal operations in a manner that serves the public interest and ensures fairness among employees. The Ministry will continue to closely monitor performance and implement strict measures to guarantee adherence to the required professional and ethical standards.

The Minister also reiterated his unwavering commitment to safeguarding public funds as a vital component of the state’s resources. He emphasized the necessity of legal accountability and the implementation of appropriate measures to recover the outstanding amounts, in line with established legal and administrative procedures. Al-Tabtabaei also highlighted the importance of enhancing the management of financial resources to prevent similar violations from occurring in the future.

Building Citizens’ Confidence

Al-Tabtabaei further emphasized that adherence to the principles of accountability and protection of public funds is crucial in fostering trust among citizens in the ministry. He stressed that safeguarding public funds goes beyond legal requirements—it is a national duty and a moral responsibility that necessitates a dedicated effort to promote integrity and transparency.

The Minister highlighted that robust financial oversight of all transactions within the ministry is an imperative that cannot be overlooked. He affirmed that the implementation of financial systems and regulations is not a matter of choice, but a firm commitment and priority that must be upheld without compromise.

Al-Tabtabaei emphasized that the ministry will take all necessary legal actions against any employee found to be negligent or involved in administrative violations. This includes the possibility of referring cases to the Public Prosecution when required. He stressed that such actions undermine the standards of integrity, as well as financial and administrative discipline, and will not be tolerated.

Applying Principles of Transparency and Accountability

At the conclusion of his statement, Al-Tabtabaei reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the principles of transparency and accountability for all, ensuring fairness and justice in the process of holding individuals accountable. He expressed his determination to take all necessary legal actions to safeguard public funds and regulate the operational mechanisms within the ministry, placing special emphasis on improving the governance of both administrative and financial procedures.

Al-Tabtabaei urged all employees in the ministry’s designated sectors to diligently protect employees’ financial rights and state savings, while actively working to curb financial waste. This, he emphasized, is crucial to achieving financial sustainability and preserving national resources.

Importantly, Al-Tabtabaei further assured that the ministry would exert every effort to bring about the necessary positive changes, aiming to prevent the recurrence of such violations in the future.

Source: Al Rai