Bhubaneswar, Nov. 4: The authorities of North Orissa University (NOU) have decided to go for a vigilance probe following the detection of three new cases where students used forged marksheets of Bhubaneswar-based Regional Institute of Education (RIE) to gain admission into the varsity.

“The university syndicate sub-committee, which met here recently, has decided to approach a vigilance team to probe the forged certificate cases. The team will also visit colleges under the university from which these certificates were issued. How the student got the fake documents and whether there is any racket running will be investigated,” said the controller of examinations of North Orissa University, L.D. Nayak.

After discovering that three students had forged their certificates to get admission into RIE, the authorities had, as a precautionary measure, decided to screen the certificates of the students who were taking admission this academic year. Accordingly, these certificates were sent to the respective universities.

However, it was found that three out of the 10 certificates that reached the NOU for screening were faked. “We carried out the necessary investigations. But what steps did the RIE take? Why are they sitting quiet without taking any action,” said Nayak

The three erring students, including two girl students, have already gained admission into the institution and are continuing classes.

“It is ridiculous that no action is being taken against these students. They are moving around freely and attending classes as usual. Similarly, in the three cases detected earlier, the students not only got their certificates, but also took up jobs. This would not only spread a wrong message among other students, but by letting this happen, the authorities are indirectly encouraging such activities,” a senior student of RIE said.

Speaking to The Telegraph, U.K. Nanda, acting principal of RIE, said he was simply an “acting principal” and due for retirement by November.

“I have my restrictions and cannot take action without the consent of higher authorities. I have written about it to them. It is up to them to take action,” he said. NOU has decided to make changes in its certificates to put an end to forging.

“We are changing the logo, adding a watermark and a new hologram to the certificates. However, nothing much can be done about the marksheets, which are easier to forge,” said Nayak.

In fact during admissions, the students are asked to submit the photocopies of the marksheets. These can be easily forged. But if screened properly by the authorities, such tampering can be discovered. For example in the forged marksheets which were discovered, the registration number was found to be written as “REDG” instead of “REGD”,” he said.