The alleged irregularities in the Minority Scholarship Scheme in Haridwar did not originate from an individual complaint but from a data analysis conducted by the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) under the Ministry of Minority Affairs. After nearly 16 months of administrative scrutiny, the case has now reached the police, with an FIR registered against 19 educational institutions. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to carry out a comprehensive probe.
According to officials, the Ministry of Minority Affairs detected suspicious patterns while reviewing scholarship records for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic sessions. Following the findings, the Centre directed the Uttarakhand Government on March 21, 2025, to conduct a detailed investigation. Subsequently, on May 19, 2025, the state government instructed all District Magistrates to initiate inquiries. Since then, the matter had been under investigation by Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs).
Based on a report submitted by the District Minority Welfare Officer, Haridwar Police have now registered a case against 19 educational institutions. The SIT will examine the roles of institution management, staff members and, if required, government officials who may have been involved in the alleged misuse of scholarship funds.
The investigation will focus on whether the students shown in scholarship applications were genuine or fictitious, where the scholarship money was transferred, and who ultimately benefited from the funds. Officials will also verify whether scholarships were claimed in the names of non-enrolled students, examine bank accounts that received the payments, and determine whether forged admission records, attendance registers or other documents were created to facilitate fraudulent claims.
The SIT will further assess the total scholarship amount released during the 2021-22 and 2022-23 sessions, calculate the financial loss caused to the government, and identify any wider network or individuals involved in the alleged scam.
The FIR covers 19 educational institutions, including five private ITIs, five public schools, two intermediate colleges, one engineering college, one Ayurvedic medical college, one madrasa, and several other educational institutions. Authorities have indicated that accountability will be fixed based on the findings of the investigation.
