Balasore, Nov 20: Odisha’s ongoing drive to identify teachers who allegedly secured government jobs using forged certificates has led to further action in Balasore district, underscoring the administration’s continued vigilance on the issue.

The District Education Officer has issued a directive recommending departmental proceedings against a teacher at Phulamani Bidyapitha under Mathani panchayat in Tigiria village.

According to local residents, the teacher, Tapas Kumar Das, has been working at the government school since 2007 on the basis of allegedly fraudulent academic documents.

Volunteer Dilip Kumar Dandapat, a resident of Tigiria, sought clarification under the Right to Information Act. When Das reportedly failed to produce valid certificates, Dandapat lodged a formal complaint with the Balasore District Collector and the School and Mass Education Department.

Following the complaint, villagers have demanded prompt disciplinary action.

Das’s response to the allegations could not be obtained.

Also Read: Crime Branch Cracks Down On Fake Teachers In Balangir

However, the Headmaster in charge, Dillip Kumar Bhuyan, confirmed that departmental action had already been initiated due to Das’s prolonged absence from duty.

Bhuyan stated that Das applied for 15 days’ leave beginning October 30 but did not return even five days after the completion of the leave period. He added that previous Headmasters had also directed Das to submit his educational documents, but the records were never produced.