Lecturers' transfer: Fake disability certificates alleged

Bengaluru: Amid allegations against some government employees under the Department of Collegiate Education (DCE) of “faking” disabilities to avoid transfers, the DCE has released the final transfer list of 144 candidates.

However, the National Federation of the Blind, KSGEAB (Karnataka State Government Employees Association for the Blind), Sakshama organisation and the state commissioner for persons with disabilities have objected to this list, claiming that some individuals had provided “fake” disability certificates to avoid transfers.

On July 7, Disabilities Commissioner Das Suryavanshi wrote to the DCE Commissioner N Manjushree, where he claimed that “transfers or exemptions based solely on the medical certificates submitted during this transfer process are inappropriate,” adding that there had been considerable confusion.

Requesting the DCE to cancel the special transfer process, Das sought a report within three days.

Not receiving a reply, he penned a stronger letter on July 18, in which he slammed the transfer procedure initiated by the DCE as “error ridden” and “unscientific.”  

Suryavanshi urged the DCE to re-examine the medical certificates and Unique Disability Identity Cards (UDID) of “self-declared” disabled individuals and initiate a departmental inquiry against individuals found to have submitted fake disability certificates. He also noted that if employees are avoiding transfers due to disability of dependents, those dependents should compulsorily have “severe disability” (75% disability or more) and not benchmark disability.

The letter cited the example of Yamanurappa, Assistant Professor, Kannada Department, Government First Grade College, Sullia, and claimed that he had submitted a “false” certificate citing 66% disability. “Prior to his current role, he reportedly served in the Police Department for 10-12 years, which raises serious doubts about his claim,” the letter mentioned.

He sought a list of faculty members claiming to be PwDs and those seeking exemption from transfers by claiming that their dependents are disabled. Though he sought a compliance report in 7 days, it hasn’t yet been submitted.

More than 20 lecturers with disability are expected to meet Higher Education Minister M C Sudhakar on Wednesday.