January 1: The High Court on Tuesday passed judgments on education officials charged with forgery, embezzlement and fraud.

Kezang Dendup Yeshay, a lecturer of the Paro College of Education has been sentenced to one and half years. He was charged for embezzlement of over Nu. 120,000 while coordinating training programs in three Dzongkhags. The defendant can pay in lieu of the sentence.

Dorji Wangchuck, a Curriculum Officer was sentenced to 13 months in prison. He was charged for forgery and embezzlement of over 20,000 Ngultrums while coordinating training in Mongar. He can pay in lieu of the sentence.

The High Court overruled the judgment of Zhemgang district court against the Dzongkhag Education Officer, Pasang Norbu. The district court sentenced him to three months on charges of forging documents.

The High Court overruled the decision saying the claimed money was not used for personal benefit. However, the verdict says that administrative action must be taken against the defendant.

A news release from the office of the Attorney General said the judgment passed by the High Court is reasonable.

The Attorney General said it is important to streamline the financial manual to maintain accountability within the system.