The TEEM Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO), is under fire in north Kashmir's Handwara amid allegations of fraudulent practices involving the sale of substandard books at exorbitant prices.
The controversy has prompted local residents to call for a formal investigation.
According to reports, TEEM Foundation has been running a questionable scheme in several schools across Handwara.
The NGO purportedly charged 150 rupees per student for a few books and notebooks, presenting it as a preparatory measure for a prize contest.
Parents claim that the NGO promised a 10,000-rupee reward for children who used these materials, pressuring them into purchasing the books at significantly inflated prices.
The books in question are reportedly of poor quality, with a market value of no more than 10 to 15 rupees each, yet they were sold for 150 rupees apiece.
The pricing strategy has raised concerns that the NGO may only be awarding a single child to create a façade of legitimacy while retaining the bulk of the funds collected.
Furthermore, the TEEM Foundation is expanding its operations to other schools beyond Handwara. The NGO’s website has been criticized for lacking essential information about its activities, leadership, and objectives, exacerbating public skepticism.
In light of these developments, local residents and parents are urging a comprehensive investigation into the TEEM Foundation’s operations. They are calling for senior authorities to step in and address these allegations to ensure transparency and accountability.
