NCTE Investigation: Probe into irregularities at 4 B.Ed colleges in Madhya Pradesh; NCTE forms a 5-member inquiry committee.

The NCTE has directed the committee to conduct an on-site inspection and submit a detailed report within five working days.  According to the issued order, the committee will submit documentary evidence, photographs, and video recordings along with its report.

NCTE Investigation: The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has constituted a five-member independent fact-finding and verification committee to investigate alleged irregularities at four B.Ed colleges in Madhya Pradesh. These institutions face allegations of not operating from their registered addresses and failing to provide basic amenities in accordance with prescribed standards. The NCTE has instructed the committee to conduct an on-site inspection and submit a detailed report within five working days. As per the order issued on July 15, the committee is required to submit documentary evidence, photographs, and video recordings along with its report. The NCTE stated that further action would be determined based on the inquiry report.

Investigation initiated following media reports

This inquiry was launched after media reports surfaced regarding irregularities at three B.Ed colleges affiliated with Barkatullah University. During the initial verification, officials discovered that another B.Ed college was also operating from the same premises. Consequently, the scope of the inquiry was expanded to cover a total of four institutions. According to the NCTE, the committee arrived in Madhya Pradesh on July 17 and commenced a physical inspection of all four colleges.

Who is on the committee?

The inquiry committee is headed by H.C.S. Rathore, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of South Bihar. The committee also includes Ashima Mangla (Joint Secretary, UGC); Bhagwati Prasad Kalal and J.P. Singh (Directors, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education); a nominated representative of the Madhya Pradesh government; and Wing Commander Vijay Rana (Regional Director, Western Regional Committee, NCTE).

What aspects will be investigated?

The committee has been tasked with conducting an on-site inspection of the colleges. During the inspection, geo-tagged photographs and video recordings will be captured to verify whether the institutions are operating from their approved addresses. Additionally, the committee will cross-check accreditation-related documents, performance appraisal reports, and other records submitted by the colleges. The inspection will assess whether the concerned institutions are complying with the NCTE Act (1993), NCTE regulations, and the prescribed standards for accreditation. This process will involve examining infrastructure—such as buildings, classrooms, laboratories, and land—as well as teaching resources, faculty availability, and other essential facilities.

Action to be taken for rule violations

Terming the matter serious, the NCTE stated that strict action would be taken against any institution found to be violating the rules during the investigation. According to the Council, punitive measures will be initiated against institutions found guilty following a comprehensive "360-degree" review of all aspects.