Phulbani, Feb 9: A Special Vigilance Court in Phulbani convicted two individuals in a corruption case involving misappropriation of government funds meant for the construction of a new primary school building in Odisha’s Kandhamal district, officials said on Monday.

Ramesh Chandra Nayak, former Head Master of Tuakula NPS and currently serving as Assistant Teacher at Sadengi PUPS under Tumudibandha block, along with Dhruba Charan Majhi, former President of the Village Education Committee (VEC) of Tuakula NPS, were found guilty of misusing government money without executing the sanctioned construction work.

Sri Ramesh Chandra Nayak, Ex-Head Master, A/p-Asst.Teacher, Sadengi PUPS & Sri Dhruba Charan Majhi, Ex-President, VEC,Tuakula NPS, #Kandhamal, who were charge sheeted by #Odisha #Vigilance, for misappropriation of Govt. money, were convicted to 4yrs prison & sent to jail today.

— Odisha Vigilance (@OdishaVigilance) February 9, 2026

Odisha Vigilance had charge sheeted both under Sections 13(2) read with 13(1)(c)(d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and Sections 409 and 120 B of the Indian Penal Code. The court sentenced each of them to four years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000.

Following the judgment, both convicts were sent to jail custody to serve their sentence. Vigilance officials said that the department will now move the competent authority to dismiss Nayak from service in light of his conviction.

The case underscores the state’s ongoing efforts to curb corruption in public service delivery, particularly in education infrastructure projects. Misappropriation of funds intended for school construction has long been a concern in rural districts, where oversight mechanisms are often limited.

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Officials said the conviction serves as a deterrent against misuse of public resources and reinforces Odisha’s commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. Vigilance continues to monitor similar cases across Kandhamal and other districts to ensure developmental funds reach their intended beneficiaries, officials said.