Forged certificates submitted by 40 students at Sushila Tiwari Hospital

Nainital: Since 2004 and before the introduction of the biometric system at Sushila Tiwari Hospital, Haldwani, 40 students have been caught for submission of fake certification over a period of time. Cases have been registered against these students and the matter is still subjudice.

The hospital is already an object of controversy and news due to poor infrastructure and deficient medical facilities. "We have been vigilant to crack down on forgery and unethical practices. After the introduction of the biometric system and verification, it has been impossible for anyone to forge documents," said Chandra Prakash Bhesora, principal of Dr Sushila Tiwari Government Medical College and Hospital.

Speaking about the earlier pattern of certificate submission, the principal said, "Previously, the rules were not that strict due to which students could get away easily,"

Presently, according to him, students after submitting their certificates are also supposed to give their finger prints to ensure that the documents submitted truly belong to them.

Speaking about the biometric verification for the year 2014-15, he said the records had been sent for verification though they had yet to return to the college administration.

"I have filed an RTI query to seek information on the verification reports of the 2014-15 batch. It is surprising and questionable how the delay is not being noticed by the authorities. There may be some malpractices that we are unaware of," said Gurvinder Singh Chaddha, an RTI activist.