Uttarakhand CM Orders SIT Probe into Scholarship Scam; Warns of Strict Action Against Guilty Institutions

Dehradun, July 22, 2025: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has taken serious note of the growing allegations of corruption in scholarship distribution across the state, declaring that no irregularity will be tolerated in welfare schemes. Emphasizing accountability, he has ordered the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to thoroughly probe scholarship embezzlement by institutions using fake documents.

The CM’s response comes after preliminary findings revealed that multiple institutions, including madrasas, Sanskrit schools, and other private educational establishments, fraudulently claimed minority scholarships through the National Scholarship Portal. These institutions allegedly submitted false documents such as fake student counts, Aadhaar cards, and residence proofs to siphon off funds meant for genuine beneficiaries.

According to data shared by the central government for academic sessions 2021–22 and 2022–23, 92 institutions in the state are under suspicion. Embezzlement has already been confirmed in 17 of them during the initial investigation. Prominent among these are Saraswati Shishu Mandir High School in Udham Singh Nagar and Vasukedaar Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya in Rudraprayag. Suspected cases have also surfaced in districts like Nainital and Haridwar.

The SIT has been directed to conduct a deep and impartial probe into the matter. Their investigation will not only cover the roles of the institutions but also scrutinize the conduct of government officials involved. The Centre has laid out a seven-point directive for the probe, including identification of fake beneficiaries and initiation of criminal proceedings against those responsible.

CM Dhami reiterated his firm stance, stating, “Those involved in corruption will not be spared.”