The Uttarakhand High Court has taken a significant step in the ongoing investigation into a massive alleged scholarship scam. On Monday, the court directed a petitioner to file a formal response to an affidavit submitted by the state's Social Welfare Department. This affidavit details the progress of the auditor general's probe into the suspected embezzlement of crores of rupees meant for Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Scheduled Caste (SC) students in private colleges.
Court's Directives and the Core Allegations
A division bench comprising Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Subhash Upadhyay was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on the matter. The petition, filed by the International Public Welfare Society, brought shocking details to light. It stated that while 156 cases have been registered in connection with the scandal, none have reached the hearing stage yet, indicating a major procedural delay.
The heart of the scam lies in the scholarship funds provided by the central government through the state department. Following numerous complaints, investigations allegedly uncovered a widespread fraud. Several private colleges are accused of siphoning off the scholarship money by creating and listing fake students to claim the funds illicitly.
The Timeline of Judicial Scrutiny
The court's latest order is part of a series of directives aimed at unraveling the truth. During a previous hearing, the bench had instructed both the auditor general and the state government to submit their responses within 10 days and update the court on the situation. Complying with this, the Social Welfare Department filed its affidavit, informing the court that a probe is actively underway.
The department also stated that a report on the investigation's progress had been submitted to the court. Subsequently, the bench sought a counter-response from the petitioner, the International Public Welfare Society. Adding another layer, when the central government's counsel informed the High Court that an audit by the auditor general was still pending, the court issued a fresh directive. It ordered both the central and state governments to file a joint affidavit within 10 days, apprising the court of the complete current status.
Implications and Next Steps
This case highlights a severe breach of trust affecting some of the most vulnerable sections of society. The alleged embezzlement of crores meant for ST and SC students not only represents a significant financial fraud but also deprives deserving candidates of crucial educational support. The High Court's persistent monitoring underscores the gravity of the issue and its commitment to ensuring accountability.
The court's order for affidavits from all involved parties—the petitioner, the state, and the central government—sets the stage for a comprehensive judicial review. The upcoming responses will be critical in determining the depth of the fraud, the effectiveness of the probe so far, and the roadmap for bringing the perpetrators to justice. All eyes are now on the next hearing, where these affidavits will shape the future course of this high-stakes investigation.
