Sr education official arrested for illegally issuing teacher ID in Maharashtra

NAGPUR: Ulhas Narad, a deputy director in the Maharashtra education department, was arrested by the Sadar police from Gadchiroli district late on Friday (April 11) night for allegedly issuing a teacher identification number (Shalarth ID) to an ineligible individual, enabling the person to receive government salary and a promotion as headmaster.

The case pertains to a teacher from Bhandara district, who reportedly submitted forged documents claiming past service at a private school. Based on these documents, Narad, in his capacity as deputy director, allegedly approved and issued a Shalarth ID—a mandatory credential required for government teachers to receive salaries.

Investigating officers revealed that not only was the individual granted the ID despite lacking eligibility, but was also promoted to the post of headmaster and transferred to a school in Bhandara. The salary was then drawn from government funds using the illicitly obtained ID.

A complaint was earlier lodged at the Sadar police station in Nagpur, prompting the investigation. Officials from the education department, including the district council’s Chief Executive Officer, were consulted last week to understand the technical aspects of the case by the police.

Police sources confirmed that the accused teacher is currently serving as headmaster in a private school in Bhandara district. Since the issuance of Shalarth IDs falls under the jurisdiction of deputy directors, Narad is now facing legal action for misuse of official powers.