Tamil Nadu NGO seeks inquiry into teacher-college affiliation inspection records

Arappor Iyakkam has filed a complaint with the Tamil Nadu government alleging discrepancies in inspection records for private teacher education colleges affiliated with Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University. The NGO said the records, obtained under the Right to Information Act, related to the academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25. It alleged that at least 15 inspection committee conveners conducted in-person inspections at two to five colleges on March 29, 2023.

According to the organisation, one convener was recorded as inspecting five colleges on that date, although the total distance between those institutions exceeded 500 kilometres. It also said at least 22 inspection committee members were listed as visiting two colleges on the same day, including colleges that were far apart. The NGO further alleged that five professors were recorded as principals of two colleges during the same period.

It said the names of 37 faculty members, including identical names or initials, appeared across 222 college entries. One name appeared in 11 entries, while at least four other names appeared in eight entries each. M.

Radhakrishnan of Arappor Iyakkam said the discrepancies raised questions requiring verification. The organisation acknowledged that the repeated names, by themselves, were not proof of wrongdoing. Arappor Iyakkam has called for an independent inquiry covering inspection reports, videos, attendance registers, travel and expense records, and faculty appointment and salary documents.

It also sought an investigation into the managements of 74 colleges that received affiliation during the two academic years. Sources in the Higher Education Department said the records were voluminous and needed time to study. They added that a detailed inquiry would be conducted if the evidence indicated a prima facie case.

No finding of fraud had been reported in the source material.