Search Page

A teacher working for a school in Pune approached the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) complaining that two accounting officers of the state education department demanded a bribe of Rs 6,000 from him to verify documents relating to wage fixation under the Sixth and Seventh Pay Commission scheme. The ACB arrested them, and a first information report was registered under the provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Over 5,000 students had their results withdrawn by Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) after massive leaks. A headmaster and a teacher at Thokozani school had been arrested after they gained access to the examination papers and sold them to Zvishavane residents. However, according to a legislator, ZIMSEC used the school as a scapegoat for the examination board’s investigations to be concluded hastily.

Many job seekers try to secure a place by cheating in exams, including buying exam papers or paying someone else to take the test on their behalf. Police stopped a bus in Udaipur that was on its way to an examination centre which was carrying teachers and candidates. Four government schoolteachers were found solving questions for at least 20 candidates. 48 people have been arrested and the examination process cancelled. Since 2018, at least 12 recruitment drives have been cancelled in the state after the test was leaked.

The Zimbabwe Women Against Corruption Trust Director urged the government to improve the working conditions and remunerations for teachers and investigate on the issue of extra lessons. Teachers in public schools are asking money for in-class extra lessons from students, which is fuelling discrimination against other learners. Those who cannot afford to pay are deprived of equal access to quality education.

The Quality Council for General and Further Education and Training (Umalusi) is concerned about the allegations of cheating involving candidates and teachers. According to the reports, the candidates in question paid teachers to have access to the answers posted on a WhatsApp group during toilet breaks while the examinations were in session. While an investigation is conducted by the Department of Basic Education, the CEO of Umalusi reassured the public that rigorous and robust quality assurance mechanisms will be used to safeguard the integrity and credibility of the National Senior Certificate.