What’s Behind the Uttarakhand SC/ST Scholarship Scam? ED Takes Action Against 3 in Dehradun Court
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Synopsis
The Enforcement Directorate has taken significant action in the Uttarakhand SC/ST Scholarship Scam, filing a prosecution complaint against the Deen Dayal Sharma Educational Trust and its trustees. The investigation uncovers a scam involving the misappropriation of funds intended for underprivileged students. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into this unfolding story.
Key Takeaways
- ED files complaint against trustees for alleged money laundering.
- Rs 1.97 crore misappropriated intended for SC/ST students.
- Investigation initiated based on FIR from Haridwar Police.
- Assets worth Rs 1.97 crore provisionally attached by the ED.
- Need for transparency in scholarship distribution highlighted.
Dehradun, June 16 (NationPress) In a significant development regarding the Rs 1.97-crore SC/ST Scholarship Scam in Uttarakhand, the Enforcement Directorate has submitted a Prosecution Complaint (PC) against the Deen Dayal Sharma Educational Trust and two of its trustees in a Dehradun court, as reported by an official on Monday.
The complaint specifically identifies trustees Vivek Sharma and Ankur Sharma in connection with the purported money laundering of scholarship funds intended for disadvantaged students at the Institute of Professional Studies in Roorkee, which is managed by the Trust.
According to the ED’s allegations, the Institute misappropriated substantial funds received from the Social Welfare Department of Haridwar for disbursement to SC/ST students.
Investigations revealed that the Institute fraudulently obtained scholarship money between the years 2013-14 and 2016-2017.
The ED's inquiry was initiated following an FIR lodged by the Police Station, SIDCUL, Haridwar, focusing on charges related to cheating and criminal conspiracy.
The institution allegedly fabricated false claims to secure scholarships under the SC/ST Scholarship Scheme, leading to the diversion of funds, as stated by the ED.
The Institute of Professional Studies, operated by the Deen Dayal Sharma Educational Trust, through its trustees, inflicted a financial loss of Rs 1.97 crore to the public exchequer while unlawfully benefiting themselves, as articulated in the ED’s Prosecution Complaint submitted to the court on June 11.
The investigation unveiled that the Proceeds of Crime generated by the institution, with the collusion of officials from the District Social Welfare Office, were redirected to either the Trust’s bank accounts or other college accounts, which were then used for trust expenses or withdrawn in cash.
Previously, the ED had provisionally attached immovable assets belonging to trustees Vivek Sharma and Ankur Sharma valued at Rs 1.97 crore under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.
In December 2023, the ED had provisionally seized two properties consisting of land and buildings located in the Dehradun and Haridwar districts.
Point of View
I affirm that the ongoing investigation into the SC/ST scholarship scam highlights the critical need for accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. The ED's actions underscore a commitment to justice, ensuring that educational resources are directed to those who genuinely need them, reinforcing the integrity of the scholarship system.
NationPress
16/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SC/ST Scholarship Scam?
The SC/ST Scholarship Scam involves the misappropriation of scholarship funds intended for underprivileged students at the Institute of Professional Studies in Uttarakhand, amounting to Rs 1.97 crore.
Who has been accused in the scam?
The Enforcement Directorate has filed a prosecution complaint against the Deen Dayal Sharma Educational Trust and its trustees, Vivek Sharma and Ankur Sharma.
What actions have been taken by the ED?
The ED has filed a prosecution complaint and provisionally attached assets worth Rs 1.97 crore belonging to the trustees under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act.
When did the fraudulent activity occur?
The fraudulent claims for scholarship funds were made between 2013-14 and 2016-2017.
What is the impact of this scam?
The scam has led to significant financial loss to the public exchequer and raised concerns regarding the integrity of scholarship disbursement processes.
