Fake Disability Certificates Scam: 33 Akola ZP Teachers Suspended | Nagpur News

Akola: In a major crackdown on fraud in the Zilla Parishad’s Education Department, 33 primary school teachers have been suspended after a three-member inquiry committee found that they had submitted fake or invalid disability certificates to obtain preferential transfers and other government benefits.The action follows an extensive verification of documents submitted during the district’s online teacher transfer process. Officials said the suspended teachers allegedly failed to meet prescribed eligibility criteria and violated conditions laid down for the transfer exercise.The inquiry also revealed that in several cases, teachers allegedly declared both themselves and their spouses as persons with disabilities to claim benefits under Category-I, which grants priority in transfers. Authorities suspect fabricated medical documents were used to gain an unfair advantage.A total of 1,800 teachers had applied for transfers in the district, of whom 948 were declared eligible under Category-I and Category-II. Significantly, 808 teachers qualified under Category-I alone, a sharp increase compared to previous years, prompting the administration to scrutinise the applications.Under govt norms, Category-I preference is available only to teachers with specified disabilities or those whose spouse suffers from a notified serious illness or disability. The inquiry reportedly found that several applicants submitted questionable disability or medical certificates to secure the benefit.The investigation has further uncovered cases where teacher couples allegedly claimed disability status for both spouses and obtained transfers to preferred locations. Officials believe the irregularities may extend beyond the teachers already suspended.Earlier allegations had claimed that nearly 150 teachers had entered govt service or availed transfer benefits using forged disability certificates. Following these complaints, the ZP constituted a verification committee on June 12, 2025, to examine 948 applications and supporting documents. While the initial scrutiny declared 931 applications valid and rejected 17, subsequent complaints led to a wider probe that culminated in Wednesday’s disciplinary action.