Ujjwal scheme: CB to probe into fake recruitment of teachers

Bhubaneswar: The School and Mass Education Department on Thursday ordered for a Crime Branch probe into the ‘fake recruitment’ of teachers under ‘UJJWAL’ yojana of Odisha Government.

The decision for a high-level probe was taken after the department came across a ‘forged letter’ entrusting Diligence Learning Focus Society (DLFS) Trust for appointment of teachers in few schools.

According to reports, the signature of joint secretary of School and Mass Education department was allegedly forged by DLFS and was sent to all district education officers (DEOs).

In the letter, DEOs and block education officers were asked to allow dedicated teachers appointed by DLFS in voluntary basis.

Soon after such forgery came to light, the department has been fast to come up with a clarification that the letter issued in the name of School and Mass Education Department was ‘fake’.

No such letter was issued by the department while clear instructions were issued to headmasters of primary and upper primary schools not to allow unauthorised teachers to teach in schools.

“It has come to our notice and already the School and Mass Education Department Secretary has been asked to refer it to the Crime Branch,” said School and Mass Education Minister Badri Narayan Patra.

Notably, DLFS has also duped several candidates who have fallen victims of the fake recruitment scam.

"The official of the company had demanded Rs 50,000 while I had paid him Rs 20,000 to get a teacher job," said a victim.

UJJWAL, a comprehensive programme was earlier launched by Odisha Government last year to promote and provide quality elementary education.

The main objective of the scheme was to enhance learning and performance level of students and teachers respectively in primary schools.