The Education Ministry has initiated a probe into alleged irregularities at four Bachelor of Education (BEd) colleges in Madhya Pradesh. A five-member independent fact-finding committee has been established by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) to conduct this investigation. Reports suggest that certain institutions may not be operating from their stated locations and potentially lack necessary facilities.

This decision was formalised in an order issued on July 15, instructing the committee to complete its investigative report within five working days. The NCTE has mandated that the committee’s findings be substantiated with documentary evidence, photographs, and videographic records to ensure thoroughness and accountability.

Inspection Commences for Four Colleges

The committee is led by H.C.S. Rathore, the former Vice-Chancellor of Central University of South Bihar. Other members include Ashima Mangla, Joint Secretary at the University Grants Commission (UGC), alongside Bhagwati Prasad Kalal and J.P. Singh, both Directors in the Department of School Education and Literacy within the Ministry of Education. Additionally, there is a representative from the Madhya Pradesh government and Wg Cdr Vijay Rana, the Regional Director of the NCTE’s Western Regional Committee.

According to media reports, the inquiry was prompted by serious discrepancies concerning three BEd colleges affiliated with Barkatullah University. During initial investigations, the committee uncovered that another BEd college was operating from the identical premises, which has extended the scope of the review to encompass all four institutions.

The committee arrived in Madhya Pradesh on July 17 and promptly commenced its physical inspections of the involved BEd colleges. The NCTE noted that during the preliminary assessment, the discovery of additional colleges revealed issues broader than initially reported.

Investigative Process and Compliance Assessment

The committee is tasked with conducting on-site verification of the institutions, emphasising the use of geotagged videography and photographic documentation to substantiate its findings. The investigation will closely examine the allegations raised in media outlets and cross-reference them with the records submitted by the colleges, including their recognition documents and Performance Appraisal Reports (PARs).

Additionally, the committee will evaluate compliance with the provisions set forth in the NCTE Act of 1993, including related regulations and standards concerning infrastructure, instructional facilities, laboratories, land availability, faculty strength, and other essential conditions necessary for institutional recognition.

The NCTE has stated that it considers the allegations serious and has committed to taking strict actions against any institutions found to be in violation of regulations, following a comprehensive review. The body indicated that this situation is regarded as a significant lapse and promised appropriate punitive measures for the defaulting institutions after a complete assessment is conducted.

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