Northeast Desk, 24th November: In a sweeping move, the Arunachal Pradesh government has terminated the services of 256 teachers, clerks, and multi-tasking staffers after an inquiry exposed widespread irregularities related to “forged and fabricated” appointment orders. The State Education Commissioner, Amjad Tak, issued termination orders for individuals in various districts based on findings that these appointment letters were never officially issued by the directorate of elementary education.
The terminated employees, including primary teachers (PRTs), trained graduate teachers (TGTs), upper and lower division clerks (UDCs and LDCs), and multi-tasking staff (MTS), had allegedly secured their positions by presenting fraudulent appointment orders. The inquiry committee, established to investigate the matter, identified these irregularities and recommended the termination of those involved.
The orders specified that a significant number of terminated individuals were from Siang district (101), followed by Changlang (72), Anjaw (26), East Siang (18), Longding (10), Upper Subansiri (8), Kurung Kumey (6), and smaller numbers in other districts. Additionally, one staffer working under the deputy director of secondary education in Upper Siang district was also terminated.
The termination orders come as part of a broader investigation into the alleged irregularities in appointments, with a deputy director of secondary education in Longding district already suspended for involvement in the case. Chief Minister Pema Khandu has escalated the matter by instructing the formation of a special investigation team of the state police to probe further.
Amjad Tak emphasized that the ongoing inquiry would explore all illegal appointments made by different authorities, and administrative action would be initiated against those found complicit. The education department has also directed relevant authorities to file FIRs regarding the forgery and fabrication of appointment orders.
This mass termination underscores the government’s commitment to addressing corruption and irregularities in the education sector, signaling a renewed focus on ensuring transparency and adherence to formalities in appointments across the state.