It’s time to face the music

The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has initiated measures to probe into allegations of many public sector employees forging their certificates to obtain positions, it is learnt.

Sources told Tribune the CSB plans to take immediate disciplinary measures against those who are proven guilty in this regard. The probe encompasses many aspects including falsifying or forging documents, misrepresentation and concealment of facts. The CSB has vast powers when it comes to taking disciplinary actions. To begin with, it can suspend an employ starting with a minimum period of ten days if proven guilty, the sources said.

“The government agency can also dismiss the employee permanently is forgery is proven beyond doubt.” Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education has begun a parallel inquiry into allegations of forging certificates, sources said. The ministry will now only probe into the public sector as the private sector is vast, they added.

Earlier, the Public Prosecution revealed in a statement that it has not been referred cases related to forging or falsification of certificates since February 2018 by the Education Ministry. “Investigations are on into cases that have been referred to the Public Prosecution while a good number of them are in courts.

“Whatever cases reported by the Ministry of Education were individual cases and not collective ones.” Advocate General Dr Ahmad Al Hammadi said the Ministry of Education has been apprising the Public Prosecution over cases of forging or falsification of certificates during the past few years. Speaking to Tribune, MP Jameela Al Sammak said a legislation has become necessary against the forging of degree certificates to obtain government as well as private jobs.