Teachers who have bagged jobs in Assam government schools after acquiring allegedly suspicious BEd (Bachelor of Education) degrees and D El Ed (Diploma in Elementary Education) certificates from outside the state are being probed, said education minister Ranoj Pegu. The decision, however, has raised concern over the authenticity of many such certificates offered by some universities of West Bengal.
Pegu told the mediapersons here on Wednesday that the the verification process has already started and stern action will be taken against the gtuilty.
“The matter has come to notice of the chief minister, so we have taken the issue seriously.”
A letter in this regard was issued by Mamata Hojai, Assam Director of Secondary Education, on July 11 to the inspectors of schools, but it was made available to the media on Wednesday. It was based on a complaint lodged by one Hirok Sarma, who claimed many teachers in Assam were in possession of illegal B. Ed and D.El.Ed certificates issued by West Bengal universities.
“In inviting a reference to the letter on the subject cited above, I am directed to enclose herewith a representation as received from the office of the CM, Assam regarding an investigation and crackdown on the illegal D.El.Ed and B.Ed certificates from West Bengal universities, as there are many teachers in the State of Assam whose D.El.Ed and B.Ed. degrees are awarded by these universities,” the letter said.
“As desired by Hon’ble CM, Assam, you are instructed to check all B.Ed. & D.El.Ed. certificates thoroughly under your jurisdiction and intimate this Department as early as possible,” it added.
The decision to scrutinize the invalid certificates comes after a complaint petition was filed by one Hirok Sarma in the matter of illegal B.Ed. certificates issued from West Bengal Universities raising concern that there are many teachers in the State of Assam whose B.Ed. degrees are awarded by these universities.
