Key Facts
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has provisionally attached properties worth approximately ₹13.83 crore in connection with the alleged Scheduled Caste (SC)/Scheduled Tribe (ST) scholarship scam in Uttarakhand. The probe is based on a First Information Report (FIR) registered by the Uttarakhand police, alleging siphoning off of post-matric scholarships meant for SC/ST students from 2011-12 to 2016-17.
Details of the Scam
According to the ED, its investigation revealed irregularities in certain private educational institutions, including Motherhood Institute of Management & Technology and Roorkee Institute of Management Sciences/Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Uttarakhand, as well as Mahaveer Institute of Technology in Uttar Pradesh. The management of these institutions and their associated societies/trusts are alleged to have fraudulently obtained scholarship funds released by the Social Welfare Department of the Uttarakhand government by showing ineligible, non-genuine, and non-verifiable students as beneficiaries.
Financial Irregularities
The ED stated that 6,208 scholarship claims were processed by the District Social Welfare Officer, Haridwar, resulting in disbursement of about ₹27.98 crore as scholarship funds during the checked period. While nearly ₹19.74 crore was credited directly into the bank accounts of the institutions, about ₹8.24 crore was allegedly transferred into accounts maintained in the names of students. Based on its findings, the agency alleged that 2,895 claims were fraudulent. Among the beneficiaries, 1,662 were not enrolled in or registered with the respective institutions and 668 were absent.
Modus Operandi
As per allegations, bank accounts were opened in the names of students and operated under the control of college management and staff. Scholarship amounts credited into such accounts were transferred to the institutions or withdrawn in cash. Funds were also diverted to various educational societies, trusts, related entities, and third parties, followed by cash withdrawals.
Impact and What Readers Should Know
This scam highlights the exploitation of welfare schemes meant for marginalized communities. The ED's action underscores the seriousness of the offense and the need for stricter oversight in the disbursement of scholarships. Students and parents are advised to verify the authenticity of institutions and ensure that scholarship benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SC/ST scholarship scam in Uttarakhand?
It is a case where private educational institutions allegedly siphoned off post-matric scholarships meant for SC/ST students by submitting fraudulent claims for ineligible or non-existent students between 2011-12 and 2016-17.
How much property has the ED attached?
The Enforcement Directorate has provisionally attached properties worth approximately ₹13.83 crore in connection with the scam.
Which institutions are involved in the scam?
The ED probe has revealed irregularities in Motherhood Institute of Management & Technology, Roorkee Institute of Management Sciences/Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Uttarakhand, and Mahaveer Institute of Technology in Uttar Pradesh.