The deepening investigation into a multi-crore teacher recruitment and financial scam within the Maharashtra education department has led to the arrest of three more officials from the Nagpur division, exposing alarming levels of systemic corruption in promotions and salary disbursement.
One of the key arrests is Nilesh Meshram, the former office superintendent for Class II education officers. Police allege that Meshram accepted a Rs10.5 lakh bribe from Parag Pudke, a headmaster currently in custody, to manipulate official records. Meshram reportedly issued fake experience certificates and facilitated Pudke’s illegal promotion and salary arrears through forged documentation.
This follows the earlier arrests of Ulhas Narad, Deputy Director of Education for Nagpur, and Parag Pudke. Investigators claim Narad promoted Pudke to headmaster based on falsified teaching experience, and authorized five years of salary arrears, causing major financial losses to the state exchequer.
At the heart of the scam is the fraudulent issuance of a Shalarth ID—a unique digital identifier used to manage teachers’ salaries and benefits. Despite being ineligible, Pudke received the ID, which enabled him to draw state salaries and benefits illegally.
Officials believe the scam may involve more education department personnel and could have ripple effects across other divisions. The investigation is ongoing, and further arrests are expected.