Monad University, located in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, has been blacklisted by the Social Welfare Department following allegations of a large-scale scholarship scam. The university is accused of fraudulently obtaining more than ₹50 crore in scholarship funds over nearly 13 years. The department has ordered the recovery of the allegedly misappropriated scholarship amount from the financial year 2012-13 to 2024-25, along with 9% interest.
Following an order issued by the Director of the Social Welfare Department, students enrolled at Monad University will no longer be eligible to apply for government scholarship schemes. The action effectively puts a halt to the university’s participation in scholarship programmes. Officials said the decision was taken after irregularities were allegedly found during a detailed investigation into admission records, student verification and scholarship claims.
The investigation was initiated by the then District Social Welfare Officer Shiv Kumar. During the probe, records of students from several districts of Uttar Pradesh as well as other states were examined. Officials scrutinised admission details, residential records, educational documents and the verification process followed by the university.
Investigators alleged that a large number of students were shown as enrolled through irregular or fake admission procedures, following which scholarship amounts were claimed from government schemes. The probe reportedly found discrepancies in student records, eligibility criteria and supporting documents submitted for scholarship applications.
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According to officials involved in the investigation, scholarships were allegedly withdrawn in the names of students who either did not meet the required eligibility conditions or whose documents contained irregularities. The estimated amount involved in the alleged misuse of funds is more than ₹50 crore. The department has now begun the process of recovering the amount along with applicable interest.
Monad University had previously come under the scanner of investigating agencies in another alleged fraud case. Last year, the Uttar Pradesh Special Task Force (STF) conducted a raid at the university premises in connection with allegations of selling fake degrees and mark sheets. Following the action, a case was registered against several individuals, including university officials, at Pilkhuwa Police Station. During the investigation, STF officials examined documents and records related to the alleged activities.
Given the seriousness of the scholarship allegations, multiple departments were directed by the government to conduct separate investigations. The Enforcement Directorate (ED), Higher Education Department and Social Welfare Department examined financial records, admission documents and other related materials linked to the university. Following preliminary findings, the then District Magistrate Abhishek Pandey and Superintendent of Police Gyananjay Singh had also written to the government recommending that the university be blacklisted.
Officials said the investigation is not limited only to the scholarship issue but also covers the university’s admission procedures, authenticity of documents and the role of individuals allegedly involved in the irregularities. Agencies are examining how many people were involved in the alleged scheme and how the scholarship funds were utilised.
The action has, however, raised concerns over the future of students currently studying at the university. Around 3,000 students are reportedly enrolled in various courses at Monad University, while the admission process for new students is also underway. Students and parents have expressed concern that genuine students should not suffer because of alleged wrongdoing by individuals or authorities associated with the institution.
Education experts said that while strict action against institutions involved in financial irregularities is necessary, authorities must also ensure protection of the interests of genuine students. They stressed that alternative arrangements should be considered so that the academic future of students is not affected due to administrative action against the university.
Authorities are now continuing their examination of university activities, student records and financial documents to determine the complete extent of the alleged irregularities and fix responsibility on those found involved.
