SIT to probe case of bogus students in tribal schools

Nagpur: In a bid to crack down on bogus students shown by tribal ashram schools, the state government on Wednesday announced it would conduct a special investigation team (SIT) inquiry into the matter. The government also decided to release grants based on the number of Aadhaar cards to avoid misuse of funds in the name of bogus students.

Tribal minister Vishnu Savara initially denied that aided ashram schools registered bogus students however later agreed to set up a SIT for further investigation. “The government has decided to release grants as per Aadhar cards of students. Registration of Aadhar cards has been made compulsory in all ashram schools. As of Wednesday, out of 2.52 lakh students, 2.06 lakh students have already been registered while the remaining will be enrolled within the next six months,” said Mr Savara.

BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar raised the issue in the legislative assembly, alleging that an aided ashram school in Jalgaon had shown 8,000 fake students. He said that out of the total 2.5 lakh students, 40 per cent were fake. “The government has lost funds to the tune of Rs 68 crore due to bogus students. Action has to be taken in the case,” he said. Mr Bhatkhalkar also cited the case of another school, Umari, in Washim district, which had shown 177 students instead of only 25 who were actually studying in the school.

Congress MLA Naseem Khan demanded a SIT inquiry into the matter which Mr Savara accepted. There are 556 ashram schools in the state with 2.52 lakh students. The government gives Rs 325 crore per year in grants to students which translates into Rs 900 per month for various facilities.