Dehradun (National Times): Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken a tough stance on alleged irregularities in state-run welfare schemes, especially scholarship programmes. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach, CM Dhami announced strict action against any individual or institution found misusing such initiatives.
This move comes after alarming revelations of fraudulent activity on the National Scholarship Portal, where several educational institutions are suspected of siphoning off scholarship funds using fake documentation. Responding swiftly, the Chief Minister directed the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter thoroughly.
Preliminary findings suggest that a number of institutions, including some madrasas, Sanskrit schools, and other private educational bodies, secured minority scholarships using forged documents. CM Dhami assured that those involved in such corruption will not be spared.
As per data shared by the Centre for the 2021–22 and 2022–23 academic years, 92 institutions from Uttarakhand are under the scanner. Of these, 17 institutions have already been flagged for confirmed misuse of funds. Investigators uncovered forged Aadhaar numbers, falsified student data, and fabricated domicile records linked to these institutions.
Among the schools under active investigation are Saraswati Shishu Mandir High School in Udham Singh Nagar and Vasukedaar Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya in Rudraprayag. Several institutions from Nainital, Haridwar, and other districts have also drawn scrutiny.
The SIT has been tasked with a comprehensive probe, including assessing the role of government officials linked to these fraudulent disbursements. According to official sources, the Centre has outlined seven key directives, including identifying fake claims and initiating FIRs against those responsible.
The state government reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and integrity in all welfare schemes and vowed to restore public trust in these crucial programmes.
