The Uttarakhand education department has taken a decisive step to address alleged misuse of disability certificates by teachers in the state. A four-member committee has been constituted to examine the authenticity of these documents, following concerns that they are being used to evade difficult postings and claim undue benefits.
Committee to Submit Report Within 15 Days
Director of Secondary Education Mukul Kumar Sati will head the newly formed panel. Speaking to the media on Saturday, Sati confirmed that the committee has been directed to submit its detailed report to the state government within a strict timeframe of 15 days. The investigation will involve a meticulous, case-by-case scrutiny of every disability certificate submitted by teachers.
According to sources within the department, the scale of the issue is significant. Over 550 teachers across Uttarakhand have submitted disability certificates. These documents are often leveraged to seek exemptions from postings and transfers to remote or challenging locations, in addition to availing other service-related benefits meant for genuinely disabled persons.
PIL in High Court Triggers Action
This administrative move comes in the wake of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Uttarakhand High Court, which sought verification of disability certificates. During the court proceedings, the Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities presented a revealing list. The State Medical Council had declared 52 teachers as "ineligible for verification." This list includes two headmasters, 21 lecturers, and 29 assistant teachers (LT).
Following this, show-cause notices were issued to all 52 individuals. As of now, responses have been received from 20 lecturers and nine assistant teachers. The remaining teachers have yet to submit their explanations to the authorities.
Strict Action Promised Against Misuse
Uttarakhand's Education Minister, Dhan Singh Rawat, has adopted a firm stance on the matter. He stated unequivocally that misuse of disability certificates will not be tolerated. "An inquiry has been initiated against teachers who have improperly benefited from disability certificates," Rawat said. "The four-member committee will conduct a thorough investigation and submit its report to the government. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty."
The minister further clarified that the scope of the action extends beyond just teaching staff. Action will also be initiated against any non-teaching staff who have wrongly availed reservation benefits using such certificates. Disability certificates of other government employees will be examined separately at the departmental level.
Minister Rawat emphasized that while the provision for reservation for persons with disabilities in state government services is fully in force and applies to appointments and promotions, its exploitation is a serious concern. "The department has been providing reservation as per the rules. However, misuse of disability certificates by some teachers is a serious concern, and a transparent inquiry will verify the authenticity of these documents," he concluded.
