The CID has been directed by the state government to initiate a through probe into the promotion of teachers on the basis of fake certificates during 2007-08 throughout the state.
The orders have been given in response to the directions of Upa- Lokayukta MVS Krishnaji Rao. In an action taken report submitted to the Upa-Lokayutka on February 1, the school education department had informed him that a probe had been ordered.
Disclosing this to mediapersons here on Saturday, the Upa-Lokayukta said that in the districts of Adilabad, Warangal, Khmammam, Karimnagar and Srikakulam during 2007-08, district education officers of the respective districts had given promotions to certain teachers basing on the fake certificates submitted by them and without following the guidelines. Even the certificates submitted were not scrutinised and verified.
‘’We have written to the state government on the issue after inquiring into the issue basing on the complaints received. The government asked the additional DGP (CB-CID) to investigate the matter and prosecute those proven guilty. The commissioner and director of school education was also asked to initiate necessary action against the DEOs responsible for effecting the promotions and also against the teachers concerned,’’ Rao said.
‘’Teaching is a noble profession and cannot be compared with other professions because a teacher imparts good character and knowledge to them, and moulds them as good citizens of the future. If teachers, who have not acquired a good knowledge and do not possess the requisite qualities, get promotion by producing fake certificates and if they are allowed to continue on a higher scale, the bright future of the students will be ruined and the society too will get affected,’’ the Upa-Lokayukta said in his order.
416 Illegal Buildings in Manikonda
Krishnaji Rao said the government was asked to direct the departments concerned to dismantle the illegally-constructed buildings in Manikonda panchayat in Ranga Reddy district. A building scam, which has the potential of causing financial loss to several hundreds of innocent people, in Manikonda had come to his notice sometime ago, he said. According to him, builders and panchayat secretaries of Manikonda, over the past few years, resorted to the scam in violation of laid-down guidelines. Though a panchayat is empowered to grant permission for construction of only G+2 floors, builders and developers constructed buildings of G+5 and even G+6 floors in the village. Sarpanches and panchayat secretaries colluded with the builders, he noted.
On the directions of the Upa-Lokayukta, Ranga Reddy district joint collector M Jagnnadham had submitted a detailed report on the scam, stating that 416 unauthorised constructions featuring G+5 or G+6 were in Manikonda.
Basing on the report, the HMDA metropolitan commissioner was asked for the clarification along with reports from DPO, divisional panchayt officer. ‘’The commissioner of stamps & registrations was asked to direct the sub-registrar at Manikonda to make registrations after physical verification of the structure, which is not being followed at present. They were asked to register structures only after ensuring that they are in compliance with the laid-down guidelines,’’ Rao said.
The principal secretary (panchayat raj) has been asked to stop any further constructions. ‘’We urge buyers to first verify whether the said building was constructed in accordance with laid-down norms or not before taking a decision. If not, they will have to regret latter when it gets demolished for violation of rules,’’ he said.
Data Sought on Temple Assets
The Upa-Lokayukta said he had directed the endowments department to submit temple-wise details of the lands it has with it and those encroached upon. It was also asked to make an appraisal of the gold and silver donated to the temples and register the same in records. He said they had to initiate action against those responsible for unhygienic prasadam in some temples.
Prices of Eatables in Cinema Houses
Acting on complaints that eatables in cinema houses, including those in the state capital, were overpriced, the Upa-Lokayukta has directed legal metrology officials to initiate action. ‘’As the legal metrology officials said the department was short-staffed, district joint collectors have been asked to initaite action. Any theatre found guilty thrice will lose its licence,’’ Krishnaji Rao said.