Ranchi: In a major crackdown on fraudulent educational credentials, 17 government school teachers from Dumka district, Jharkhand, have been dismissed after their degrees were found to be fake. The dismissals have triggered a stir within the education department, as those responsible for imparting lessons in integrity have themselves been accused of dishonesty.
According to an official order from the District Education Superintendent’s office, the teachers had submitted certificates from institutes whose degrees the state does not recognize. These include Prayag Mahila Vidyapeeth (Allahabad), Indian Education Council (Uttar Pradesh), Government Open School Education Institute (U.P.), and both the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan institutions based in Prayag and Allahabad.
The district authorities have deemed these institutions as unauthorized, and therefore the qualifications submitted by the 17 teachers invalid. As a result, the teachers have been relieved of their duties, and their honorariums have been halted. They have also been summoned to the district office for further proceedings.
The action was taken under clause 7(4) of a government notification dated February 14, 2022, which mandates legal measures against teachers using unverified educational qualifications. The Block Education Extension Officers (BEEOs) were instructed to complete the necessary action within a week of receiving the directive and report back to the district office. Delays in compliance may lead to action against the BEEOs themselves.
Gopikandar Block Education Officer Surendra Hembram confirmed that all 17 teachers have been removed from service and further investigation is ongoing. He said more such cases could emerge as the scrutiny continues.
Among the dismissed are teachers from various schools including UMS Mohuldabar, UPS Khatangi, UPS Chirudih, UPS Kalaipura, and UPS Gumapahari. The education department is expected to pursue legal action as per the guidelines in the notification.
