Social Welfare Department Orders Recovery With Interest as Multi-Agency Investigation Continues
Monad University, located in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, has been blacklisted by the Social Welfare Department following allegations of a large-scale scholarship fraud. Authorities allege that the university fraudulently obtained more than ₹50 crore in government scholarship funds over a period spanning financial years 2012–13 to 2024–25.
The department has ordered recovery of the alleged amount along with 9% interest and has barred students enrolled at the university from participating in government scholarship schemes until further notice.
The allegations remain under investigation, and no court has determined the university's liability in the matter.
University Blacklisted From Scholarship Schemes
Following an order issued by the Director of the Social Welfare Department, Monad University has been removed from participation in government scholarship programmes.
According to officials, students enrolled at the university will no longer be eligible to apply for government scholarship schemes while the action remains in force.
Authorities stated that the decision followed a detailed investigation into admission records, student verification, and scholarship claims.
Probe Alleges Irregular Student Admissions
The investigation was initiated by the then District Social Welfare Officer, Shiv Kumar.
Officials examined records relating to students from several districts of Uttar Pradesh and other states, including:
- Admission records
- Residential details
- Educational documents
- Student verification procedures
Investigators allege that a large number of scholarship claims were processed using irregular or fraudulent admission procedures.
Alleged Scholarship Misuse
According to officials, the investigation found alleged discrepancies involving:
- Student eligibility criteria
- Supporting documentation
- Admission records
- Scholarship applications
Authorities allege that scholarship funds were claimed in the names of students who either did not meet eligibility requirements or whose documents contained irregularities.
The department estimates that the alleged wrongful claims exceed ₹50 crore and has initiated recovery proceedings along with applicable interest.
Previous Investigation Into Fake Degrees
Monad University had previously come under investigation in another case.
According to the report, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) conducted a raid at the university in connection with allegations involving fake degrees and mark sheets.
A criminal case was subsequently registered at Pilkhuwa Police Station against several individuals, including university officials.
That matter remains separate from the scholarship investigation.
Multi-Agency Investigation
Given the seriousness of the allegations, multiple government agencies have reportedly examined aspects of the case, including:
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Higher Education Department
- Social Welfare Department
Authorities have reviewed:
- Financial records
- Admission documents
- Scholarship records
- Related administrative files
According to the report, the then District Magistrate Abhishek Pandey and Superintendent of Police Gyananjay Singh had recommended that the university be blacklisted.
Concerns Over Students' Future
The action has raised concerns regarding approximately 3,000 students currently enrolled at the university.
Students and parents have expressed concern that genuine students should not suffer due to alleged irregularities attributed to the institution or individuals associated with it.
Education experts have suggested that while action against alleged financial misconduct is necessary, authorities should also consider measures to protect the academic interests of bona fide students.
Investigation Continues
Officials stated that investigators are continuing to examine:
- Student records
- Admission procedures
- Financial transactions
- Scholarship disbursement records
- The role of individuals allegedly involved
Further action will depend on the findings of the ongoing investigation.