The Orissa High Court has mandated the Director of Elementary Education to provide an update on the identification of teachers allegedly appointed in government schools using fake educational certificates. Additionally, the Court has directed the relevant department to submit an affidavit detailing these findings.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice MS Raman issued the order while hearing a six-year-old Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the fraudulent appointments of teachers in various schools under the School and Mass Education Department. The PIL highlighted the issue of fake educational certificates being used for securing teaching positions.
The High Court's directive requires the Director of Elementary Education to include in the affidavit information regarding allegations of non-existent students being enrolled to misappropriate funds from the Midday Meal scheme. This expanded scrutiny reflects the Court's broader concern about systemic corruption within the education sector.
According to the Times of India, the court’s directives follow evidence from order sheets and records indicating that steps have already been taken to identify such fraudulent appointments. Some teachers, found guilty of using fake certificates, have been dismissed, and criminal proceedings have been initiated against them. However, the identification process is still ongoing.
An earlier affidavit submitted by the Director of Elementary Education revealed that 384 fake teachers had been identified, and criminal cases had been filed against these individuals. This development underscores the scale of the issue and the ongoing efforts by the authorities to address it.
The Court's order is a response to the persistent problem of fake qualifications in the teaching sector, which undermines the quality of education provided to students. The identification and removal of unqualified teachers are seen as critical steps in restoring integrity to the educational system.
The PIL, which brought these issues to light, has been instrumental in pushing for accountability and transparency within the School and Mass Education Department. The involvement of the judiciary has ensured that these concerns are addressed systematically and that appropriate measures are taken against those involved in fraudulent activities.
The affidavit, once submitted, will provide a comprehensive update on the progress made in identifying fake teachers and the measures taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. The Court's insistence on a detailed statement about the misuse of the Midday Meal scheme funds further highlights the judiciary's commitment to addressing corruption at multiple levels within the educational system.
This ongoing investigation and the resulting legal actions are expected to serve as a deterrent against future fraud and will hopefully lead to significant improvements in the administration of education in Odisha.