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Kolkata: In Madhya Pradesh, a massive scholarship scam worth over lakhs has come to light. According to an NDTV report, over 40 madrasas and minority schools in Bhopal laundered government funds using ineligible or even fake students.
The Crime Branch was probing a certain "City Montessori School" near Aam Wali Masjid in Bhopal. However, no school exists there. As per the report, there were just deserted lanes and unrelated school boards. On the Chiklod Road, there was a single board of "City Montessori".
However, there was only the board. There were no classrooms or students, only a locked structure. As per the locals, it was never a functional school. A local resident named Azim told NDTV, "They only rented space and put up a board. No classes were ever held here." Another local person said, "I've lived here my whole life. That board has been up for years, but no school ever opened."
The school never functioned, and yet it claimed a scholarship amount of Rs 1.65 lakh for 29 students from Classes 1 to 8. As per the Crime Branch, many institutions sans proper recognition, with some of them having approval only till Class 8 claimed scholarships for Class 11 and 12 'students'.
A total of Rs 57.78 lakh has been withdrawn in the name of 972 students, and the Crime Branch has more than 100 educational institutions under its scanner. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Shailendra Singh Chauhan said, "We have registered FIRs against operators of 40 schools and madrasas. If the students themselves are found to be fictitious, harsher legal action will follow."
The political arena of Madhya Pradesh has erupted over the scam, with the Opposition, the BJP-led state government, as many have highlighted the growing list of scams related to education. Former Congress minister PC Sharma said, "From Vyapam to nursing, every sector has seen scams. This money must be recovered and given to the deserving."
Krishna Gaur, Minister for Minority Welfare, has said, "These complaints were raised during the previous tenure. The central government is probing the matter. Our department is cooperating and has submitted the required information."
