A recent report has exposed allegations of fraudulent appointments of school principals in Delhi government schools. Approximately 35 newly appointed principals are accused of securing their positions through fraudulent means, including the submission of fake certificates. These serious allegations have prompted a petition to be filed in the Delhi High Court.
According to information obtained through Right to Information (RTI) activists and submitted by the Navendu Charitable Trust, many of these principals exploited the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Reservation system, even though their annual family income exceeded the prescribed limit of Rs 8 lakh. Additionally, some used the Other Backward Class (OBC) Reservation without providing a valid certificate from Delhi and submitted counterfeit experience certificates.
The petition, filed in the Delhi High Court, highlights that despite these allegations, the principals continue to hold their positions and work in the government schools. The petition argues, "Surprisingly, dozens of fraud candidates have got selected by using various unfair means and fake and fabricated certificates/documents".
Furthermore, the petition sheds light on an advertisement issued by the Union Public Service Commission in 2021 for 363 principal positions, including 208 for men and 155 for women. After the completion of exams and interviews, 334 individuals were appointed to these posts, which had been vacant for more than a decade. However, the petition alleges that many of these appointments were secured through fraudulent means.
One instance cited in the petition concerns an EWS certificate that was allegedly not issued by the tehsildar of Lalganj in Uttar Pradesh. The tehsildar is said to have admitted in writing that the certificate was neither issued from his office nor signed by him. This particular candidate, now employed in a northeast Delhi school, is also accused of forging the seal and signature of CBSE authorities to claim over 10 years of teaching experience.
Moreover, the petition contends that 11 candidates submitted OBC certificates that were not issued by the Delhi government. According to the rules, OBC reservation is only applicable to candidates who provide OBC certificates issued by the Government of NCT of Delhi. Those who submit certificates from other states or union territories are considered as general or unreserved candidates.
The petition also highlights that 21 candidates availed themselves of the EWS reservation despite having an annual family income exceeding Rs 8 lakh. To qualify for a principal's post, candidates are required to have a minimum of 10 years of experience as trained/postgraduate teachers/vice-principals, with a minimum salary exceeding Rs 75,000 per month. This income threshold exceeds the limit for the EWS
category, as the EWS category in India is intended for individuals meeting specific income criteria, rrespective of their profession.
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