Fraudulent ‘disability’ certificates

The authorities at GMC Jammu have successfully thwarted a significant fraud attempt by two candidates trying to gain admission to the MBBS course under the ‘Persons with Disability’ (PwD) category. These individuals had obtained fake and fraudulent ‘disability’ certificates from medical authorities in Poonch. The proactive actions taken by GMC Jammu have uncovered a serious issue that extends beyond the individual candidates involved. It raises significant questions about the issuance of fictitious PwD certificates from the CMO office in the same region. The possibility of a nexus or irregularities in the issuance of these certificates cannot be ignored, and it is essential to investigate how these certificates were issued under what circumstances. While GMC Jammu has taken steps to address the issue concerning the candidates, the wrongdoing on the part of the CMO office of Poonch has not been thoroughly investigated. Given that these admissions pertain to a medical institution and the fraudulent certificates were issued by officials of the Health and Medical Education Department itself, a proper investigation within the department is warranted. Additionally, JKBOPEE should consider filing a formal FIR with the Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police to hold the culprits accountable. The seriousness of this fraud cannot be understated, as it could have potentially denied two genuinely disabled individuals the opportunity to pursue a medical education that could transform their future.
The administration of GMC Jammu deserves credit for its proactive approach, which serves as an example for other professional colleges. The establishment of medical boards to verify the authenticity of medical certificates is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity of the admissions process. This entire episode raises important ethical questions about the functioning of boards responsible for issuing such certificates. It is now the responsibility of the Government to thoroughly investigate and prosecute those responsible for this fraud to restore the credibility of the system. Ensuring transparency and accountability in the issuance of certificates is essential to maintaining the trust of the public and upholding the principles of fairness and justice in education.