• Corruption in College Appointments: A Pattern of Unqualified Staff and Illicit Promotions

• Sprouts Investigates:
Alleged Corruption in College Appointments and Illegal Fixations

Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive

In a new investigation by the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team, serious allegations have emerged regarding illegal appointments and undue manipulations in the hiring and promotion processes at a prominent Kalyan college (Mumbai University).

In November 2014, Suhas Mahadev Bhagat was appointed as a Junior Library Clerk at a college, despite lacking the necessary qualifications outlined in the original job advertisement. His appointment had initially been rejected by the then Joint Director, Vijay Narkhede, due to his qualification gap. However, sources claim that a conspiracy involving the college principal and the Joint Director led to Bhagat being granted a six-month grace period to meet the qualifications.

While Bhagat’s appointment bypassed a group of ten qualified candidates who had appeared for the interview, a complaint was filed by one of these rejected candidates. However, the authorities failed to respond to her concerns, raising questions about the transparency of the selection process.

• The Case of Ashok Mishra’s Appointment

Another controversial case involves the appointment of Ashok Mishra, a lab assistant at the college. The post of lab assistant had been officially filled by Krishna D. Singh in 2014, who was confirmed in the role by college authorities in 2016. However, Mishra, allegedly appointed through illegal means, was later granted government benefits, including the seventh pay commission, despite working as a junior clerk cum Cashier.

Krishna Singh, currently embroiled in a legal dispute regarding his dismissal from the college, claims that the suspension was tied to personal conflicts with the college chairman, her father-in-law, DR. R. B. Singh. The case is under review by the Bombay High Court.

Sprouts Sources allege that the illegal fixation of Mishra’s pay involved the college principal, Anita Manna, the Joint Director, Dr. Keshav Tupe, and Junior Administrative Officer Yuvraj Salunkhe, all of whom might have been complicit in this violation.

• A Pattern of Corruption

Sprouts’ investigation reveals a disturbing pattern where college staff have been granted positions despite lacking qualifications, with some benefiting from retroactive promotions and financial perks. This practice has allegedly extended to Mumbai University, which has failed to act on numerous complaints regarding the fraudulent documentation of faculty members, including those at K. M. Agarwal College.

Earlier, a similar case at Agarwal College came to light, where an assistant professor, Mahesh Kamalakar Bhiwandikar, was found to have submitted a fake master’s degree to gain employment. Despite the university’s awareness, the college continued to validate Bhiwandikar’s qualifications, which were later annulled following an RTI inquiry by Sprouts.

• Calls for Accountability

The investigation into these allegations has raised concerns about the ethical and legal standards maintained by both the college and the university. Despite the overwhelming evidence of corruption, college authorities, including Principal Anita Manna and other key officials, have failed to offer satisfactory explanations or take corrective actions.

As the investigation continues, the future of these individuals and their involvement in the education sector remains uncertain, and demands for greater transparency and accountability are growing louder.

• ⁠Mumbai University Protects Unqualified Teachers, Alleged Corruption Exposed

A Sprouts investigation has uncovered a deep-rooted system of corruption within the University of Mumbai and Maharashtra’s Higher Education Department, where unqualified staff are granted official recognition, enabling them to secure teaching positions and promotions. Allegations suggest that top university officials, including the Vice-Chancellor and Assistant Registrar, are complicit in this scandal, accumulating significant illicit wealth in the process.

• Fraudulent Degrees and Promotions at Agarwal College

One of the most alarming cases involves Mahesh Kamalakar Bhiwandikar, an assistant professor at K. M. Agarwal College in Kalyan. Bhiwandikar, who worked for over 25 years, was found to have forged a Master’s degree in Commerce (MCom) from a non-recognized university. Despite knowing the degree was fake, college authorities, including the principal, allowed Bhiwandikar to work unchallenged. His subsequent SET certification, also based on fraudulent credentials, was used to secure six promotions at the university, facilitated by corrupt officials.

• Lack of Action and Continuing Malpractices

Despite several complaints and evidence, the university and college authorities, including Principal Anita Arun Manna and Joint Director Dr. Vijay Narkhede, failed to act on the issue. Even when the fraud was confirmed, no corrective steps were taken. Additionally, the RTI investigation revealed that other staff members at Agarwal College, including Principal Manna, lacked proper qualifications yet were recognized by the university.

The systemic protection of unqualified teachers at Mumbai University is contributing to a decline in educational standards, raising serious concerns over the future of the institution and its students.