MP: After Nursing Scam, Now B.Ed-D.Ed Fraud Surfaces – Colleges Existing Only on Papers!

Bhopal – Following the nursing college scam, another significant fraud has come to light in Madhya Pradesh, this time involving B.Ed and D.Ed courses. The Special Task Force (STF) has registered cases against six colleges for fraud, forgery, and criminal conspiracy.

In the Gwalior-Chambal region, half a dozen college operators obtained recognition by falsely claiming that they had buildings for their B.Ed-D.Ed courses. When the STF investigated following a complaint, they discovered the extent of the deception. The operators had claimed that their colleges were located on certain plots of land, but these locations turned out to be fields with no buildings at all.

Further investigation revealed multiple layers of fraud. The operators had fraudulently obtained building permits from the Gram Panchayat, even forging the signature of the Sarpanch. Additionally, they had created fake Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) to meet financial requirements.

The STF is also looking into the possible involvement of employees from the State Council of Technical Education (SCTE) and Jiwaji University, Gwalior, suspecting collusion in granting recognition to these colleges.

On Wednesday night, the STF registered a case against six colleges under sections of fraud, forgery, and criminal conspiracy. STF SP Rajesh Singh Bhadoria revealed that the investigation so far has uncovered significant discrepancies.

The Fixed Deposit Receipts (FDRs) submitted by some colleges for recognition were reportedly never issued by the bank. Furthermore, the diversion orders for building construction, purportedly from the SDO office, were never actually issued.

Similarly, the Panchayats, from which the building completion orders were claimed to have been obtained, have denied issuing any such documents.

SP Bhadoria also noted that the initial investigation has cast suspicion on employees of Gwalior's Jiwaji University and the State Council of Technical Education (SCTE) in Delhi.

As the investigation progresses, any employees found guilty will also face FIRs. Currently, the investigation is ongoing to uncover the full extent of the fraud and the involvement of various parties.

Cases Registered Against Fraudulent Colleges

The STF has registered cases against several colleges for fraud and forgery, and they suspect there may be more such colleges involved in similar schemes. The ongoing investigation will also assess how many degrees have been distributed by these fraudulent institutions. The accused include operators of the following colleges:

• Anjuman College of Education Sevda (Datia)

• Prashi College of Education Mungawali (Ashok Nagar)

• City Public College Shadhaura (Ashok Nagar)

• Maa Saraswati Shiksha Mahavidyalaya, Veerpur (Sheopur)

• Pratap College of Education, Baroda (Sheopur)

• Ideal College, Baraua (Gwalior)

Uncovering the Nursing Scam

The nursing scam came to light in 2020-21, during the Corona period when several hospitals and nursing colleges were hastily opened.

According to the regulations set by the Medical University and the Medical Education Department, a nursing college must have 40,000 square feet of land and a 100-bed hospital to be recognized. Despite these requirements, dozens of nursing colleges that did not meet these criteria were granted recognition.

Jabalpur High Court lawyer Vishal Baghel, the petitioner in this case, presented the court with pictures and detailed information about many of these colleges, highlighting the ongoing scam.

As a result, the High Court halted the examinations for these nursing colleges, leading to a three-year suspension of exams. This situation has left many students frustrated and demanding a general promotion from the government. They argue that it is unfair for them to be punished for the wrongdoings of the colleges.

STF SP Rajesh Singh Bhadoria mentioned that further investigation will determine the extent of the fraud and the potential involvement of employees from Gwalior's Jiwaji University and the State Council of Technical Education (SCTE) in Delhi.

FIRs will be registered against any employees found complicit. The STF continues to investigate how many degrees have been fraudulently issued and whether additional colleges are involved in this widespread scam.