PANAJI
Having faced Opposition’s backlash, the Education Department on Tuesday clarified that it is not mandatory for the aided schools or institutions to open bank accounts with Axis Bank, as directed earlier.
“It is hereby clarified that the opening of bank account with the Axis Bank by the concerned schools/institutions, is optional and not mandatory,” reads the circular issued by Education Director Shailesh Zingde.
The earlier circular, dated June 28, had directed schools/institutions to open salary bank accounts with Axis Bank as part of implementing the ‘Mukhyamantri Guru Dakshina Yojna,’ an online salary disbursal scheme proposed by the CM.
The directive faced criticism from the Opposition, that questioned the government’s interest in promoting a specific private bank.
A similar directive issued in April 2023 when the department decided to use an app developed by Axis Bank for salary transfers had to be withdrawn following similar opposition.
There are some 570 aided educational institutions across the State which receive salary grants from the government.
