New Delhi – The Delhi government has ordered a high level probe into an alleged Rs 145 crore in Jai Bhim Coaching Scheme Scam, a flagship coaching scheme meant for underprivileged students preparing for competitive exams. The move comes amid growing criticism and calls for accountability regarding the implementation of the scheme, which was once hailed as a major social welfare initiative by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
With questions raised about inflated bills, ghost students, and forged records, the scandal surrounding the Jai Bhim Coaching Scheme scam Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana (JBMVPY) is now under investigation by a special audit committee, as directed by the Delhi Chief Secretary. The case is likely to have major political and social ramifications, especially in the run up to the 2025 Delhi Assembly elections
What Is the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana?
Launched in 2017 by the Delhi government, the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana aims to provide free coaching to SC, ST, OBC, and EWS students for entrance exams such as UPSC, SSC, NEET, JEE, and more. Under the scheme, private coaching institutes empanelled with the government were paid per student for their services.
Over the years, the scheme was widely appreciated for providing a level playing field for economically weaker sections. However, recent findings have exposed serious discrepancies that point to large scale corruption and misuse of public funds now being termed as the Jai Bhim Coaching Scheme scam.
The Alleged Rs 145 Crore Scam: Key Findings
According to a preliminary internal audit conducted by the Directorate of Audit, glaring irregularities have surfaced in the implementation of the Jai Bhim coaching scheme:
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- Inflated Student Counts: Several coaching centres allegedly submitted exaggerated numbers of enrolled students to claim higher payments.
- Ghost Students: In some instances, students listed under the scheme were either untraceable or found to have never attended the classes.
- Forged Documentation: Allegations have been made that fake Aadhaar cards and identity proofs were used to validate fictitious enrollments.
- Non-compliance with Eligibility: Many students who benefited from the scheme reportedly did not belong to the targeted reserved categories.
These findings have raised serious concerns about the governance and transparency of the scheme, leading to what is now being dubbed a Rs 145 crore coaching scam.
Delhi Government’s Response
In response to the growing controversy, Delhi’s Chief Secretary has ordered a thorough probe into the scheme. A special audit team will now scrutinize the financial and administrative records of all coaching institutes involved in the Jai Bhim scheme over the past six years.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who holds the Education portfolio, stated that the government is “fully committed to zero tolerance against corruption” and will take strict action against anyone found guilty in the Jai Bhim coaching scheme scam.
Political Ramifications
The alleged scam comes as a blow to the Aam Aadmi Party, which has consistently projected itself as a crusader against corruption. The Jai Bhim coaching scheme scam is now being weaponized by opposition parties, including the BJP and Congress, to attack then Kejriwal led government.
“This is a betrayal of the marginalised communities. Public money meant for the upliftment of Dalit and backward students has been looted under the nose of the previous AAP Delhi government.”
The Congress has also demanded a CBI probe into the alleged scam and called it a “systematic loot of taxpayers’ money.”
Social Impact
Apart from political damage, the alleged Jai Bhim coaching scheme scam has serious social consequences. Thousands of aspiring students from marginalised communities may now lose access to free, quality coaching due to reduced public trust and administrative overhaul.
Several students have already come forward expressing concerns about the discontinuation of coaching benefits and lack of clarity on upcoming batches.
What Happens Next?
The special audit is expected to submit its detailed report in the coming weeks. Based on its findings, criminal proceedings may be initiated under the Prevention of Corruption Act. There are also calls for a forensic audit and review of all schemes run by private contractors under the Delhi Education Department.
The Delhi government has promised reforms to prevent such irregularities in the future. This includes biometric attendance, geo-tagging, and real-time monitoring of coaching sessions.
Conclusion
The Jai Bhim coaching scheme scam has raised uncomfortable questions about the checks and balances in place for government funded welfare schemes. While the probe is ongoing, the scandal has already dented the credibility of what was once a flagship project of the Delhi government. For the AAP, which built its brand on clean governance and education reforms, the Rs 145 crore Jai Bhim scam could become a major political flashpoint in the days to come.
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