Editor,
Growing concerns have emerged over the prolonged delay in initiating a departmental inquiry into alleged illegal appointments of primary teachers (PRT) in the Education Department, Itanagar.
Despite multiple complaints and preliminary findings pointing towards irregularities in the recruitment process, action has yet to be taken, raising questions about transparency, accountability, and administrative efficiency.
Several PRT appointments made over the past few years have come under scrutiny for violating recruitment norms, including bypassing eligibility criteria, manipulating merit lists, and ignoring proper reservation policies. Whistleblowers and concerned citizens have repeatedly flagged these issues, but little to no progress has been made in addressing them formally.
Allegations of irregularities
The controversy revolves around alleged backdoor appointments where candidates were reportedly hired without following due procedure. Accusations include: Appointments made without competitive examinations; forged or unverified documents submitted during the hiring process; undue influence and favouritism in candidate selection; and ignoring mandatory eligibility requirements like DElEd/BEd qualifications.
An initial internal review reportedly confirmed procedural lapses, but despite these findings, the departmental enquiry has not been officially launched.
Administrative inaction under fire
Education activists and opposition leaders have criticised the Education Department for what they describe as “deliberate inaction.” They claim that the delay is a tactic to shield higher officials who may be complicit in the scam.
“This is not just a case of irregular recruitment, but a betrayal of public trust. Capable and deserving candidates have been denied their rightful place because of corrupt practices, and the delay in inquiry only fuels suspicion,” said one.
Impact on students and schools
The controversy is not only a bureaucratic issue – it has real implications on education delivery. Several schools are reportedly staffed by underqualified or ineligible teachers, directly impacting the quality of education offered to young students.
“Quality primary education is the foundation of a child’s academic journey,” said a senior academic expert. “Any compromise in teacher recruitment undermines that foundation.”
Call for immediate action
As an education activist and a concerned citizen, my demands regarding this delayed issue are: Immediate initiation of a time-bound departmental inquiry; suspension of questionable appointees pending investigation; an independent audit of all PRT appointments in the last five years; and implementation of a transparent and merit-based recruitment process moving forward.
Conclusion
The delay in departmental inquiry into illegal PRT appointments has cast a shadow over the integrity of the Education Department. As the future of hundreds of students hangs in the balance, stakeholders are urging swift and decisive action to restore faith in the system and ensure that justice is served for both the teachers wrongfully excluded and the students they are meant to serve.
Aman Bagang,
C Sector, Itanagar