Orissa HC demands update on alleged fake teachers in government schools

Bhubaneswar, May 18: The Orissa High Court has issued a directive to the Director of Elementary Education, urging them to provide an update on the progress of identifying teachers suspected of holding fraudulent educational certificates. Additionally, the Court has requested the concerned department to submit an affidavit regarding this matter.

The order came from a two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Chakradhari Sharan Singh and Justice MS Raman. They stipulated that the affidavit from the Director of Elementary Education should also address allegations concerning the admission of non-existent students, potentially for the purpose of misappropriating funds from the Mid-day Meal scheme.

This decision was made during the court's consideration of a six-year-old Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that highlighted concerns regarding teacher appointments in government schools. Allegations suggest that some teachers secured their positions by submitting counterfeit educational certificates, a matter that has drawn significant attention.

According to the sources, the High Court's order reflects a concerted effort to address longstanding issues within the education system. While acknowledging progress in identifying and taking action against such teachers, including dismissals and criminal proceedings, the bench emphasized that the process of identifying fraudulent educators is ongoing.

A previous affidavit submitted by the Director of Elementary Education revealed that 384 individuals suspected of holding fake credentials had been identified, with legal actions initiated against them. However, the court's scrutiny suggests that further efforts are required to root out such malpractice from the education sector.