NEW DELHI: For private schools in India's remote villages, getting affiliation from the 'Board of Higher Secondary Education, Delhi' was a matter of pride. However, many were unaware that the Board was counterfeit and was selling forged certificates.
Police said the five accused involved in this pan-India network of fake education boards and universities, mostly target schools in far-flung villages in states such as Jharkhand, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
"They used to advertise in regional newspapers in such a way that private schools in villages of any state would be lured," said a senior police official.
As per information on the website of the fake board, around 250-300 schools are affiliated to it.
Police further claimed that the network of this gang is spread all over the country, while refusing to rule out the connivance of officials of Education and other government departments in the concerned states.
Sources believe that the role of various government officials may soon be revealed behind the working of this well-oiled fake board machinery.
During interrogation of the accused, police came to know that has disclosed that in 2012 alone, more than 5,000 candidates were given such fake marksheets.
On the basis of these marksheets, these candidates procured passports from Regional Passport Office, Lucknow, and secured overseas jobs.
"We will investigate the persons who got fake certificates and whether they are working in any company. We will also inform the company about them," said the police official.
Police claimed that officials of HRD Ministry have pointed out that fake boards/universities are mushrooming in the nation and becoming a serious menace to the society.
Many fake boards are duping thousands of unsuspecting people by issuing fake certificates, which the victims further use for employment purposes.
Possession of fake degrees and qualifications could lead to jail time if caught.