CHENNAI: In a rare case, a class-1 official in the Chennai Port Trust has been sacked for allegedly submitting a fake ‘experience’ certificate to get appointed as Assistant Materials Manager in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Department. The officer in question is D Jagadeesh Kumar, who joined the service on June 27, 2016. The action was taken after Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of Chennai Port independently verified and established the illegality and recommended punitive action against Kumar following a complaint received from a whistle-blower under Public Interest Disclosure and Protection of Informers (PIDPI).
As per the termination order issued by Chennai Port Trust chairman P Raveendran, a copy of which is available with Express, the desirable qualification for the post of Assistant Materials Manager is two years post-qualification experience in materials management in an industrial/commercial/government undertaking. At the time of applying, Kumar has enclosed experience certificate for four years and nine months in the letter-head of M/s Sundaram Fasteners Ltd, Chennai supposedly signed by S Arul, Deputy General Manager, claiming to have worked as an engineer in manufacturing development. During investigation, it was found that the certificate was ‘fake’ attracting major disciplinary action under Regulation 4(4) (Furnishing false information/bogus certificate at the time of employment) and Regulation 4(17) (Criminal offence involving moral turpitude) of Chennai Port Trust Exployees (Conduct) Regulations 1987.
Also, Regulation 16 of the Chennai Port Trust Employees (Recruitment, Seniority and Promotion) states, “Any candidate who is found to have knowingly furnished any particulars which are false or have suppressed material information of a character is liable to be disqualified, and, if appointed, to be dismissed from service.” Accordingly, the Chairman has ordered termination of the services of Kumar.
Another major allegation levelled by the whistle-blower is that the entire selection process was a farce and stage-managed with the involvement of senior port officials. Undue favour was reportedly extended and question paper was given forehand.
Reliable sources in CVO office told Express that action has been recommended against five port officials, who were part of selection process. In response, Chairman Raveendran chose to be diplomatic and said that action has been initiated as per rules. Kumar claimed that he didn’t submit any fake certificate. “I have submitted all original documents, salary certificate, Form-16 of Income Tax, Form 26 A (S) and service certificate. I have challenged the order in the Madras High Court,” he said and also refuted the charges of accessing the question paper.