Keonjhar, Apr 3: A startling revelation under the Right to Information (RTI) Act has uncovered significant irregularities in the recruitment of a Panchayat Executive Officer. Allegedly, an individual used fraudulent educational certificates to secure this prestigious post in Odisha's Anandapur subdivision, Hatadihi block in Keonjhar district.

The accused, Suresh Kumar Sethi, reportedly fabricated a Class 12 Sanskrit certificate from a Puri-based Panchasakha Sanskrit College. While Sethi had initially enrolled in science courses, his academic performance fell short, prompting this alleged falsification. According to RTI reports, he had previously failed to secure higher marks in legitimate examinations.

Sethi’s simultaneous enrolment in multiple courses during overlapping timeframes raises additional questions about the credibility of his academic history. Despite securing his position as a Panchayat officer in 2014, these allegations have now brought his entire tenure under scrutiny.

Although an FIR has been filed, critics argue that appropriate action is still pending. Concerns also loom over how departmental authorities overlooked such discrepancies during the selection process. Currently, Sethi holds responsibility for two panchayats in Hatadihi block, sparking outrage among locals.

Unveiled Details In Brief

According to information obtained under the RTI Act, it is found that Sethi passed his 10th grade from Hatadihi High School in 2006. In the same year, he enrolled in +2 Science at Dharanidhar Junior College, Keonjhar.

After failing on the first attempt, he passed in 2009 with 278 marks out of 600 (46.33%) in the third division, with his roll number being 615GE054. Following this, based on his +2 qualification, he pursued +3 Science from Anandapur College between 2009 and 2012, securing 821 marks out of 1800.

However, during a job selection process, Sethi allegedly substituted his low marks in +2 Science by providing a certificate from Panchasakha Sanskrit College in Puri, where he pursued +2 Sanskrit from 2008 to 2010. It was mentioned that he scored 471 marks out of 650.

Questions arise as to how he could simultaneously study +2 Science at Dharanidhar College, +3 Science at Anandapur College, and +2 Sanskrit at Panchasakha Sanskrit College in Puri.

Furthermore, when applying for a job in 2013 and being selected in 2014, departmental authorities did not notice this discrepancy while accepting the Upashastri qualification instead of his +2 Science mark sheet, leaving everyone astonished.

Conclusion

This case underscores the need for enhanced verification protocols in recruitment to safeguard the integrity of governance systems. As investigations unfold, the outcome may set a crucial precedent for tackling recruitment fraud.

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