NAAC fires around 900 assessors; many removed after recent CBI arrests in bribery case

 NAAC Fires Around 900 Assessors; Many Removed After Recent CBI Arrests in Bribery Case

In a significant move aimed at restoring credibility, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has dismissed around 900 assessors following a recent spate of arrests made by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a bribery case. The decision comes as part of NAAC’s efforts to tackle corruption within its ranks and uphold the integrity of its accreditation process.

CBI’s Recent Crackdown on Corruption

The firing of the assessors comes after a high-profile investigation led by the CBI, which uncovered a widespread bribery scheme involving several assessors from the NAAC. The probe, which was launched in late 2024, revealed that certain assessors were accepting bribes in exchange for giving favorable reviews to educational institutions seeking accreditation. Following the arrests of several individuals linked to these unethical practices, NAAC took swift action to remove those involved in any illicit activities.

In a statement, the CBI confirmed the involvement of some prominent assessors and highlighted the serious nature of the corruption, which undermined the accreditation process that is supposed to ensure quality and transparency in India’s higher education institutions.

NAAC’s Immediate Response

After the arrests, NAAC announced an internal review of all its assessors and their conduct during accreditation evaluations. The findings of this review led to the termination of about 900 assessors, many of whom were found to have violated the council's code of conduct or were suspected of participating in the bribery scheme. NAAC officials stated that these removals are part of an effort to "cleanse the system" and ensure that only qualified and ethical professionals are involved in the accreditation process.

In its official statement, NAAC emphasized that it remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic integrity and transparency. The organization assured the public that it would introduce stricter oversight mechanisms to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

Implications for Indian Higher Education System

The recent scandal has sent shockwaves through the Indian higher education sector. Accreditation is a critical process that determines the reputation and financial viability of institutions across the country. As such, any compromise in the integrity of the system can have far-reaching consequences, including the potential degradation of the quality of education offered by accredited institutions.

Experts have called for a comprehensive overhaul of the accreditation system, with a greater emphasis on transparency, accountability, and monitoring. Some have suggested the introduction of digital tools and automated systems to minimize human intervention and reduce the opportunities for corruption.

Future Actions and Reforms

To prevent such incidents from recurring, NAAC is expected to implement a series of reforms. These include introducing more rigorous background checks for assessors, employing technology for tracking the accreditation process, and increasing the involvement of third-party auditors to ensure impartiality. NAAC also indicated that it would be working closely with the CBI to investigate any further allegations related to the bribery scandal.

While the firing of the 900 assessors is a significant step, it is clear that NAAC will need to rebuild its reputation and regain the trust of both educational institutions and the public. The recent actions serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by accreditation bodies in maintaining the integrity of their evaluations.