HYDERABAD: The state government has directed the Vigilance and Enforcement (V&E) Department to conduct inspections across all educational institutions allegedly involved in irregularities and misuse of funds released under the fee reimbursement scheme. The scheme covers reimbursement of tuition fees (RTF) and maintenance charges for students from economically weaker sections.
The move follows random inspections by various government agencies that found evidence of misuse of funds meant for students.
V&E teams can seek ACB, police support
Acting on these findings, the government instructed the Director General of Vigilance and Enforcement to verify all institutions covered under the Post-Matric Scholarships Scheme, including BEd and DEd colleges. The V&E teams have been authorised to seek support from the Director General of Police, CID, ACB, Intelligence, and the Police Commissionerates of Hyderabad, Cyberabad, Rachakonda, and Warangal.
It may be recalled that private professional colleges have announced plans to launch a statewide agitation from November 3, demanding the release of pending fee reimbursement dues. They also plan to hold a massive ‘Chalo Hyderabad’ rally with 10 lakh students after November 10 if their demands are not met.
According to the government’s order, inspections will examine whether the colleges are functioning legitimately as approved institutions, whether students availing scholarships are eligible and admitted through proper procedures, and whether colleges have adequate teaching and non-teaching staff as per prescribed norms. The inspections will also verify the availability of proper classrooms, laboratories, furniture, and other infrastructure required to ensure quality education.
The inquiry will further assess whether institutions meet the eligibility criteria and standards set by the government and universities, whether students receiving reimbursement maintain minimum attendance and satisfactory academic performance, and identify any other irregularities warranting further investigation.
The government clarified that these terms of reference are illustrative and not exhaustive, allowing inspecting agencies to probe any aspect of irregularity or deviation from permitted norms based on the facts of each case.
The Higher Education and School Education departments have been asked to issue directions to depute officials to actively participate in the inspections alongside the V&E teams.