Some Biharis Tarnishing State’s Image: Nitish on Toppers Scam

Nitish said he ordered an FIR after he heard about Ganesh, the 42-year-old Bihar ‘topper’ who lied about his age.

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. (Photo: Reuters)

Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered strict action against Ganesh Kumar, a 42-year-old man who topped the Class XII state board Arts exam after lying about his age.

In the latest in a string of embarrassing toppers scams to hit Bihar, it was found that Ganesh, the state’s Arts topper, lied about his age so as to clear the exams and secure a government job. He scored 82.6 percent marks, while 65 percent of the students failed the exams.

The CM said he had ordered an FIR as soon as he had heard about the scam, PTI reported. “We have already taken action against those guilty and no one will be spared. After the probe, officials from the Block Education Officer (BEO) to District Education Officer (DEO), school teachers and others will be punished for not fulfilling their duty," he was quoted as saying.

The Chief Minister said that some people have been engaging in activities that damage Bihar’s image.

Some people of Bihar are attempting to damage Bihar’s image and are repeatedly trying to do so.

“Some leaders in Bihar are actually trying to spoil the image of the state. This is a matter of concern,” Janata Dal (United) leader KC Tyagi told ANI.

Senior leader Sharad Yadav also remarked on the quality of education in the state.

Whatever he said is absolutely correct. Expect Delhi, the education system in whole northern India is poor.

(With inputs from news agencies)