Pune: A re-verification process for disability certificates of newly recruited teachers claiming Persons with Disabilities (PwD) status has been initiated by Pune Zilla Parishad ’s primary education department. The department has referred 12 prospective teachers and their disability certificates to Sassoon General Hospital for a comprehensive reassessment to rule out any potential cases of disability certificate fraud to secure govt benefits. The scrutiny comes in the wake of the recent case involving probationary IAS officer Puja Khedkar for the authenticity of her disability and OBC certificates.
A senior official from Pune ZP’s education department told TOI, “Individuals with disabilities are entitled to various govt benefits, including preferential treatment in transfers, tax exemptions, doubled vehicle allowances, and specific disability allowances.” The official, on condition of anonymity, said, “We want to ensure that these benefits reach those who genuinely qualify. If any candidate is found to have falsified their disability status, we will take strict action.
This includes cancelling their appointment and barring them from recruitment.” The Zilla Parishad official added that they want to exercise caution and ensure that no candidates are using fraudulent means. Sassoon General Hospital is expected to verify the disability claims.
“The hospital will re-verify the extent and percentage of disability in the candidates whose details we have sent," he added.