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Bihar’s long-standing process for appointing Assistant Professors, now entering its fifth year, is facing a new hurdle with the emergence of fake experience certificates allegedly issued by university authorities. The Bihar State University Service Commission (BSUSC) is grappling with this issue, as these forged certificates have reportedly made their way to the commission from several universities, with many containing forged signatures and seals, sometimes with the complicity of the authorities. A senior university official emphasized that this remains under investigation.
Experience certificates play a crucial role in the final selection process, carrying 10 marks, and any discrepancies could severely impact candidates’ chances. BSUSC Chairman Girish Choudhary confirmed that some fake certificates had been identified, but stated that it is beyond the commission’s scope to verify whether they were officially issued by the universities’ competent authorities, such as the registrars.
“I have already written to the Department of Education and all universities to verify the authenticity of experience certificates before confirming the service of selected candidates. However, I have not put a hold on their joining, as that would also affect genuine candidates. I have also requested the universities to submit reports on each case of fraud for further action,” Choudhary stated.
To highlight the issue, Choudhary shared an example of a candidate who had provided an experience certificate but later claimed it had been lost. Despite the document being considered valid, the candidate’s result was put on hold. Upon verification by LN Mishra University in Darbhanga, the certificate was found to be forged, leading to the termination of the candidate’s candidature.
Choudhary also mentioned that similar issues were detected at BN Mandal University, where four candidates had submitted forged experience certificates. He revealed that such discrepancies had been found in 8-10 cases, which had been referred to the concerned universities for further action. Choudhary emphasized that the commission would not hesitate to involve the State Vigilance Investigation Bureau if necessary, as these fraudulent activities severely disrupt the recruitment process.
Former Vice-Chancellor of BN Mandal University, AK Roy, stated that arbitrary issuance of experience certificates in some universities was likely the result of financial or other extraneous considerations. He warned that such teachers might later manipulate records or delay the appointment process once they were part of the system. Roy recommended that the commission send the list of selected candidates to the universities for thorough verification before their joining, ensuring that experience certificates, appointment letters, and payment details were checked in advance.
Sanjiv Singh, JD-U MLC from Kosi Teachers’ constituency and syndicate member of BNMU, suggested that the system should allow for the universities to receive the final list of candidates for verification promptly. He emphasized the importance of submitting affidavits by registrars and principals, and urged that all necessary precautions be taken to avoid legal complications down the line.
A former Vice-Chancellor, who wished to remain anonymous, pointed out that while the Department of Education has issued a new format for experience certificates, it is too complex and may create additional barriers for genuine candidates.
The BSUSC had announced 4,638 vacancies for Assistant Professors in 52 subjects on September 23, 2020, just before the state assembly elections. The appointment process was temporarily halted by the High Court in 2022 over quota-related issues, but the stay was lifted in April 2024. So far, the selection process for 39 subjects has been completed. Interviews for 316 history posts will be held from February 19-24, and there are still 12 subjects left to be processed. Throughout the recruitment, there have been several legal challenges, with the High Court intervening at multiple stages.
In 2017, the Bihar legislature passed the Bihar State University Service Commission Act to restore recruitment powers to the commission, which had been dissolved in 2007. The Bihar government reconstituted the commission in February 2019, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Localtak staff.
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