In a significant decision related to government recruitment transparency, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed petitions filed by two women candidates accused of submitting fake Class 12 marksheets in the Anganwadi worker recruitment process in Tikamgarh district. The court observed that once the educational certificates submitted by the applicants were found to be forged, there was no justification for granting them an additional opportunity for hearing.

The matter came before the vacation bench of Justice Vishal Mishra, which heard separate petitions filed by Mamta Yadav and Neetu Rajput. Both women had challenged the action taken by the Women and Child Development Department, which declared them ineligible for recruitment and directed the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) against them.

According to court records, the recruitment process began following an advertisement issued by the Women and Child Development Department on June 20, 2025. The petitioners had applied for Anganwadi worker posts and submitted their Class 12 educational documents as part of the eligibility requirements.

Their names reportedly appeared at the top of the provisional merit list released on August 18, 2025, placing them among the strongest contenders for selection. However, the recruitment process took a dramatic turn after complaints were lodged before the District Selection Committee alleging that the candidates had submitted forged marksheets.

Document Verification Exposed Fraud

Following the complaint, the District Level Grievance Redressal Committee initiated a verification process. The educational institution concerned was asked to authenticate the marksheets submitted by the applicants.

According to official records, the institution informed authorities on January 8, 2026, that both marksheets were fake. Based on this verification report, the District Programme Officer issued an order on May 26, 2026, declaring both candidates ineligible for recruitment.

The order also directed officials to lodge an FIR within seven days, citing the use of forged documents during a government recruitment process.

Court Finds No Merit in Pleas

During the hearing, the petitioners argued against their exclusion from the recruitment process and challenged the direction for criminal proceedings. However, the state government opposed the petitions and presented verification records confirming that the educational documents were not genuine.

Government Advocate Kamal Singh Baghel represented the state and submitted relevant documents before the court.

After reviewing the records, the High Court held that once the marksheets had been officially verified as fake, there was no legal basis for granting further relief. The bench observed that extending additional hearing opportunities in such circumstances would serve no useful purpose and would only consume valuable judicial time.

Impact on Recruitment Process

The ruling reinforces the importance of strict document verification in public recruitment exercises. Recruitment experts say such decisions help maintain fairness and transparency while discouraging candidates from attempting to secure government jobs through forged certificates.

Officials involved in recruitment processes have increasingly relied on direct verification from educational institutions to identify discrepancies and prevent fraudulent appointments.

The Raipur district administration has started the process of declaring gram panchayats and urban local bodies as child marriage-free zones under a special initiative led by the Women and Child Development Department. Authorities said the move aims to strengthen awareness and enforcement against child marriage while encouraging local bodies to maintain zero reported cases.

According to official information, gram panchayats and urban bodies where no child marriage cases have been reported in the last two years are being considered for recognition under the campaign. The initiative has emerged as an important Public Interest Story linked to child welfare and social awareness in Chhattisgarh.

Hundreds Of Panchayats Proposed

Officials said that out of 408 gram panchayats in Raipur district, as many as 332 gram panchayats have recommended themselves for declaration as child marriage-free. Along with this, eight urban local bodies out of the district’s total 11 urban bodies have also been proposed for the status. The concerned gram panchayats and urban bodies have reportedly submitted certifications stating that no child marriage incidents were recorded within their jurisdiction during the previous two years. The district administration is now carrying out the verification and objection process before issuing the final declaration.

Verification Process Begins

As part of the administrative procedure, the proposed list of gram panchayats and urban local bodies has been made available for public review at the Collector’s office in Raipur and offices of the Women and Child Development Department. Authorities stated that citizens can examine the list at various project offices, including Arang, Abhanpur, Dharsiwa-01, Dharsiwa-02, Raipur Urban-01, Raipur Urban-02, Tilda and Mandir Hasaud. Officials said the review process is intended to ensure transparency and public participation before the final recognition is granted. The development became part of the Latest News Today updates in Chhattisgarh as the administration pushed social reform initiatives at the grassroots level.

Objections Invited

The Women and Child Development Department has invited objections, suggestions and claims from individuals, social organisations and institutions regarding the proposed list. Authorities clarified that if any person has information about child marriage incidents in the proposed areas, they can submit a written objection along with supporting documents. The administration has fixed May 18 to May 28, 2026 as the period for filing claims and objections. Applications must be submitted to the District Programme Officer at the Women and Child Development Office in Raipur. Officials said all objections and supporting evidence will be examined carefully before any gram panchayat or urban body is officially declared child marriage-free.

Focus On Social Awareness

The initiative is being seen as part of broader efforts to curb child marriage and improve awareness regarding child rights and girls’ education in rural and urban areas. Government officials stated that local administrations, anganwadi workers, women self-help groups and community organisations have played a key role in monitoring and reporting child marriage cases in villages and towns. According to department officials, increased awareness campaigns and community participation have helped reduce instances of child marriage in several regions of Chhattisgarh over recent years. Authorities believe that officially recognising child marriage-free panchayats could encourage more villages to actively participate in prevention efforts and social awareness programmes.

Monitoring And Accountability

Officials indicated that the declaration process also aims to create accountability at the local governance level. Gram panchayats and urban bodies receiving recognition are expected to continue monitoring vulnerable households and ensure that underage marriages do not take place in their areas.

The administration may also conduct periodic reviews even after granting the status to verify whether local bodies continue to remain free from child marriage cases. Social welfare officials said community-level vigilance remains essential because child marriages are often conducted secretly in remote areas or during social functions. The campaign has drawn attention as part of wider Government Updates focused on women and child welfare schemes in the state.

The district administration stated that the final list of child marriage-free gram panchayats and urban bodies will be released only after completion of the objection review process. Officials said recognition would be granted to only those local bodies against which no valid objections or complaints are found during scrutiny. Authorities also appealed to citizens and organisations to cooperate with the administration by sharing accurate information during the verification process.