The Opposition parties AIADMK, DMK and Congress on Thursday demanded a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in the Perunthalaivar Kamaraj Financial Assistance Scheme for Centac (Centralised Admission Committee of the government)-sponsored students of medical and engineering colleges. Following a complaint from Parents -Students Association president V Balasubramanian,an inquiry has been taken up by the Department of Higher and Technical Education into the irregularities. But the leaders were of the opinion that the departmental inquiry would not bring the culprits to the book.
Balasubramanian in his complaint said that cheques have been issued by making a slight change in the name of the eligible candidates and opening a fictitious account in the bank and also by making records as if the assistance was paid to students with arrears.
Speaking on this issue,AIADMK State secretary A Anbazhagan, MLA, alleged that funds to the tune of more than `1 crore had been misappropriated and the tuition fees of more than 60 students were swindled in ‘benami’ names with the help of government and bank officials.
The departmental inquiry is not sufficient to find the culprits and a CBI probe be recommended by the Lieutenant Governor, the MLA said.
Puducherry State DMK convenor Dr M A S Subramanian also demanded either a CBI probe or an enquiry by a retired judge into the Centac irregularities.
In a statement here, Dr Subramanian said that the frequent visits of CBI officials to Puducherry show that the Union Territory is reeling under corruption. If the government maintains silence as usual in this issue too, the DMK would mobilise students and organise massive agitations.
He said when the 2013-14 admission is due shortly,
the government should not stop the scheme citing inquiry and should take proper steps to ensure that the students receive their assistance and continue their studies.