My Degree Is Not Fake, Harmanpreet Kaur Clarifies

Her degree is not fake, says India’s T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur after an embarrassing controversy over her joining Punjab Police.

She has finally opened up on the fake degree row which cast a shadow on the Punjab government's offer to give her the DSP's job in Punjab police. Following the controversy, the government said it could take her only as a constable, not DSP. Western Railway, where she was employed, also relieved Kaur following her request to join Punjab Police.

While talking to The Times of India, Kaur said, "My degree is not fake. I did my graduation eight years ago, after completing class XII."

She added that she was admitted to a post-graduation course on the basis of her graduation degree. However, the 29-year-old lost track of the classes due to busy cricketing commitments

"When you did your graduation, did you go to the head office to verify your enrolment number? Nobody does that. If I am playing, my focus is obviously on cricket. Apart from that, I just wanted to complete my graduation," said Harmanpreet.

"On the basis of my graduation certificate, I took admission for a post-graduation course in a different university, but could never take my exams because of overseas tournaments. Today, that very degree is being called fake."

The 28-year-old was offered the DSP’s post in Punjab Police in July last year.

Also Read: All you need to know about cricketer Harmanpreet Kaur

She shared more details saying, “I completed my graduation through distance learning from Chaudhary Charan Singh University in 2009-2011. Earlier, I was pursuing my graduation from a college in Jalandhar, where I did my first year. Thereafter, I was not able to pursue it as my cricket schedule and the examination dates used to clash always. Besides, as the college principal had changed, and they did not like me pursuing sports, they did not adjust exam timings as per my cricket schedule. So, I had to migrate to another university. I have been playing for India after completing my Class XII.”

After completing three years of service as office superintendent at Western Railway, Kaur had resigned last year. Her medical test for the post of DSP had already been completed, but she was forced to remain on the job as Western Railway did not free her from the bond.

"I have cleared all my exams and my every certificate is legal. My examination centre used to be in Delhi. My subjects were sociology, political science, English and general awareness," Harmanpreet said.

Kaur added, "The (police) department should initiate action against me. I am waiting for a word from my department. I have not received any notice from my department.”

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