ITANAGAR, 1 Jun: The Save Arunachal Youth Association (SAYA) on Monday raised concern over more than 1,000 defunct government schools across the state, and alleged misappropriation of public funds.

Addressing mediapersons at the Arunachal Press Club here, SAYA president Likha Rajnik expressed serious concern over the reported existence of 1,238 defunct government schools across Arunachal Pradesh.

The association questioned the state government’s education policy, and urged the authorities to take immediate measures to revive non-functional schools, improve educational infrastructure, and ensure that quality education reaches students in remote areas.

He further alleged that, due to poor education policy and the closure of government schools, private schools in the state are taking advantage of the situation but failing to provide quality education.

Rajnik also alleged that more than 100 teachers posted at these defunct schools have not been transferred and are drawing salaries without performing their duties.

Alleging mismanagement of around Rs 183 crore of the Fisheries Department’s funds in Kra Daadi district under the ‘Integrated Commercial Fish Ponds in Kra Daadi District, Development of Inland Aquaculture (CSS)’ project, he urged the state government to order an independent investigation into the matter through the Central Bureau of Investigation.