Muzaffarpur, Bihar | October 27, 2026: An internal inquiry into school development spending in Muzaffarpur identified alleged financial irregularities involving 46 schools and about ₹70 crore in payments between 2023 and 2026, according to an investigation published by The Indian Express on October 18.
What the inquiry reportedly found
The report said a three-member committee appointed by the district administration examined work related to school repairs, boundary walls, painting, bench-desks and submersible pumps. The committee reportedly found instances of multiple bills being submitted for the same work, similar estimates across different schools, and payments for work that inspectors said had not been completed when billed.
Questions over approvals and records
The Indian Express reported that more than 700 payment files were allegedly processed without the district education officer’s approval or the recommendation of the regional deputy director. The committee also said mandatory records, including work orders and measurement books, were not produced during the inquiry. These are findings and allegations reported from the internal committee’s account, not a final judicial determination of individual responsibility.
Audit and further investigation recommended
The committee reportedly recommended a special financial audit and a probe by a specialised anti-corruption agency because some of the issues may involve offices beyond the committee’s local jurisdiction. The newspaper said the education department was awaiting a compliance report from the Muzaffarpur administration at the time of its October 18 publication.
What remains unclear
A newer official status update confirming subsequent action was not located during this review. The reported ₹70 crore figure therefore refers to the amount described in the October 18 investigation; it should not be read as a court-confirmed loss or as proof that every school named was involved in wrongdoing.
Source: The Indian Express — investigation published October 18, 2026.
