Seeking promotion, Corporation school staff fudge certificates

Greater Chennai Corporation has more than 4,000 teachers in its 327 schools including 153 primary schools, 113 middle schools, 42 high schools and 19 higher secondary schools. 

According to existing norms, teachers desirous of getting promotions and incentives, have to satisfy certain criteria. Those currently lacking in B Ed qualification, have to undergo training and provide a certificate proving they have completed such a course. They also can qualify as a post graduate and furnish such credentials. 

According to sources, nearly 20% of degree certificates provided as proof of qualification this year could be fake. “Some degree certificates that were presented did not have the logo of the university. In some certificates, logos were affixed at different places on the certificates. Some certificates did not have the seal of the university while some others had the printer’s phone number on the certificate,” the sources added. 

“Although only the university’s syndicate is authorised to issue certificates, some certificates stated that the issuing agency was “authorised” by the university senate. Logos and the university seals were at different places in some certificates” the sources pointed out. 

When officials in the Corporation raised queries on the discrepancies in the certificates, candidates reportedly retorted by asking why they were raising such issues when “only a degree certificate was needed.”

Meanwhile, officials at a university’s Purasaiwalkam study centre said they were approached by Corporation officials two months ago to check the veracity of the “doubtful certificates concerned over deteriorating standards.” 

However, the university’s officials said the certificates could be checked only if the Corporation sends their queries to either the university’s registrar or the controller of examinations. 

“It is sad to note that teachers who should be exemplary in their behaviour and be role models to students, indulge in such practices” an anguished Corporation official said. 

When DTNext contacted Corporation Commissioner D Karthikeyan, he said, “Send us the details and we will enquire.”