Retired judge to probe fake diploma certificate row in Transport Department: Ramalinga Reddy

Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Wednesday told the Legislative Council that the government has ordered an inquiry by a retired judge into allegations that employees in the Transport Department submitted fake diploma certificates to secure promotions.

Replying to JD(S) member T.A. Sharavana, the Minister said preliminary findings suggested irregularities and that the role of the Department of Technical Education would also come under scrutiny.

“On the face of it, irregularities appear to have taken place. It does not involve only the Transport Department. The Technical Education Department also appears to be involved. Retired judge Narayana has already been appointed to conduct an inquiry and a gazette notification has been issued,” Mr. Reddy said.

Mr. Sharavana urged the government to initiate action against those who had allegedly submitted fake certificates, citing provisions under the Karnataka Civil Services Rules (KCSR).

He also questioned the manner in which the certificates were issued. “Those who wrote examinations in places such as Mysuru and Belagavi are said to have appeared in Bengaluru within a short span. How was this possible, and how were certificates issued?” he asked.

Mandatory for promotion

Providing details, the Minister said a diploma qualification is mandatory for clerical staff seeking promotion to Group C Motor Vehicle Inspector posts. To enable employees to pursue higher studies, the Department had issued an order on October 12, 2022, permitting up to 10% of staff to undertake further education. Accordingly, 17 employees were permitted in 2022–23, 24 in 2023–24, and 15 in 2024–25 to pursue diploma courses.

Of these, two were not Transport Department employees, while two had taken regular leave to pursue studies. Doubts had arisen regarding the certificates submitted by the remaining employees, the Minister said.

Following this, the Transport Commissioner wrote to the Director of Technical Education seeking clarification on the alleged fake certificates. As no satisfactory response was received, notices were issued to the employees on March 3, 2026, seeking explanation. The retired judge-led inquiry will examine the allegations and recommend action against those responsible, the Minister said.