In Bihar, an education sector controversy is unfolding as authorities investigate the legitimacy of teachers’ qualifications, potentially jeopardizing the jobs of approximately 24,000 teachers. Following recent counselling sessions for 1.87 lakh candidates who passed a competency test, significant discrepancies have emerged, casting doubt on the authenticity of certain credentials.
The counselling process, held from December 1 to 13 last year, aimed to verify the qualifications of teachers in the state. However, about 42,000 candidates were not counselled, with over 3,000 failing to attend their scheduled sessions, and biometric verification remaining incomplete for over 10,000 candidates. The education department has assured that these individuals will receive a second chance post-Chhath festival.
Verification Irregularities Identified
As the verification process advances, several certificates have raised suspicions. Authorities report that numerous mark sheets presented during the initial round of counselling have been flagged as potentially fraudulent. These documents have been forwarded to respective universities for further scrutiny.
Previous investigations had already identified approximately 4,000 teachers with falsified qualifications. It was revealed that around 80% of these individuals scored below the mandatory 60% threshold, while 20% presented fabricated certificates, including documents related to disability, caste, residence, and sports achievements.
The education department has confirmed that disciplinary measures, including possible job termination, are being considered for the 24,000 teachers whose credentials appear questionable. Authorities also plan to recover any salaries paid to these individuals and may pursue legal action against those found guilty of deliberate fraud.
Steps to Prevent Future Credential Fraud
To prevent similar incidents, the education department has announced plans to introduce a digital service book for all teachers. This system will allow thorough verification of teachers’ qualifications, including mark sheets, identification, and residential information, through biometric authentication. The initiative is designed to promote transparency and integrity in Bihar’s education sector, ensuring that fraudulent activities are effectively minimized.
The Bihar education department’s commitment to rooting out credential fraud reflects broader concerns about maintaining the quality and trustworthiness of the state’s teaching workforce. As investigations continue, the department aims to create a more secure and reliable verification process to uphold standards in education.
