Pune Times Mirror: Pune: Friday, 16 August 2024.
Employee allegedly favoured by higher-ups involved in the misappropriation of funds
An organisation providing
pre-competition training for students from the OBC category in Mahajyoti has
been exposed as a scam. It has been alleged that Chandan Kumar Singh, employed
by Mahajyoti Sanstha, is involved in misappropriating funds by running a
private coaching business.
According to Akshay Kamble of the Rashtriya Vidyarthi Congress and a Right to Information (RTI) activist, Singh secured tenders worth Rs. 25 to Rs. 30 crore by exploiting his position within the organisation. Despite lacking proficiency in Marathi, Singh’s employment has raised concerns, with Kamble claiming that he colluded with senior officials to perpetrate the fraud.
Private coaching classes
Singh allegedly established a private coaching institute called CRG Academy for Success at Khajina Viheer Chowk in Sadashiv Peth. Kamble, speaking to Pune Times Mirror, accused Singh of channelling substantial funds through these classes, leading to demands for Singh’s dismissal and a thorough investigation into Mahajyoti's dealings.
A comprehensive policy has been formulated to standardise various pre-competitive examination training programmes in the state. As per the state chief secretary's order dated January 31, 2024, the responsibility for monitoring these programmes has been assigned to the Tribal Research and Training Institute, Pune, Sarthi, Barti, Mahajyoti, Amrut, and other minority institutes. Allegations have surfaced that individuals are exploiting this system by securing tenders, allegedly with the endorsement of a prominent political figure.
The scam
Singh's organisation provides pre-exam coaching through institutes like Mahajyoti Sarathi for examinations such as NET-SET, Banking, Agniveer, and MBA. These training classes have been shown as works acquired through tenders from the concerned organisation. However, questions remain about the actual number of trainees who have benefited from these programmes.
Singh allegedly secured his position in Mahajyoti Sanstha with the backing of senior officials. Despite Mahajyoti Sanstha being based in Nagpur, Singh has been permitted to work from home for “personal” reasons. He is reportedly involved in drafting tenders for the organisation, and his involvement in the decision-making process appears to increase his chances of securing these tenders. Over the past two years, Singh has reportedly obtained tenders worth Rs. 25 to Rs. 30 crores for his classes, indicating potential collusion. Kamble has called for an investigation into others who might be involved with Singh.
Singh seems to have a special relationship with the director of Mahajyoti, leading to his appointment on February 20, 2024, as a member of the Sub-committee for Implementation of Pre-Competitive Examination Training.
Discrepancies have been noted in tender number 2022-794674, which was extended for Singh's benefit. These actions suggest possible misconduct, implicating senior officials within Mahajyoti.
Allegations also suggest Singh’s involvement in securing tenders for prominent classes in Pune and Delhi. He is also a director at the Success Institute and has partnerships with other organisations, including a reputed one.
Singh is accused of deceiving the GST department by substituting his photo on the GST certificate of Success. Despite previous scandals in Mahajyoti, contracts worth Rs. 15 to Rs. 18 crore have allegedly been awarded to his organisation without proper tendering. The fees per student were reportedly increased, allowing Singh to extract a substantial commission by misappropriating government funds allocated to Mahajyoti.
“I urge the state government to take the corruption allegations seriously and implement stringent measures against those responsible. Influential political figures and state officials are undermining institutions meant for the underprivileged, making it difficult for Marathi youth to secure employment compared to outsiders,” said Akshay Kamble, National Student Congress representative and Right to Information activist.
Employee allegedly favoured by higher-ups involved in the misappropriation of funds
According to Akshay Kamble of the Rashtriya Vidyarthi Congress and a Right to Information (RTI) activist, Singh secured tenders worth Rs. 25 to Rs. 30 crore by exploiting his position within the organisation. Despite lacking proficiency in Marathi, Singh’s employment has raised concerns, with Kamble claiming that he colluded with senior officials to perpetrate the fraud.
Private coaching classes
Singh allegedly established a private coaching institute called CRG Academy for Success at Khajina Viheer Chowk in Sadashiv Peth. Kamble, speaking to Pune Times Mirror, accused Singh of channelling substantial funds through these classes, leading to demands for Singh’s dismissal and a thorough investigation into Mahajyoti's dealings.
A comprehensive policy has been formulated to standardise various pre-competitive examination training programmes in the state. As per the state chief secretary's order dated January 31, 2024, the responsibility for monitoring these programmes has been assigned to the Tribal Research and Training Institute, Pune, Sarthi, Barti, Mahajyoti, Amrut, and other minority institutes. Allegations have surfaced that individuals are exploiting this system by securing tenders, allegedly with the endorsement of a prominent political figure.
The scam
Singh's organisation provides pre-exam coaching through institutes like Mahajyoti Sarathi for examinations such as NET-SET, Banking, Agniveer, and MBA. These training classes have been shown as works acquired through tenders from the concerned organisation. However, questions remain about the actual number of trainees who have benefited from these programmes.
Singh allegedly secured his position in Mahajyoti Sanstha with the backing of senior officials. Despite Mahajyoti Sanstha being based in Nagpur, Singh has been permitted to work from home for “personal” reasons. He is reportedly involved in drafting tenders for the organisation, and his involvement in the decision-making process appears to increase his chances of securing these tenders. Over the past two years, Singh has reportedly obtained tenders worth Rs. 25 to Rs. 30 crores for his classes, indicating potential collusion. Kamble has called for an investigation into others who might be involved with Singh.
Singh seems to have a special relationship with the director of Mahajyoti, leading to his appointment on February 20, 2024, as a member of the Sub-committee for Implementation of Pre-Competitive Examination Training.
Discrepancies have been noted in tender number 2022-794674, which was extended for Singh's benefit. These actions suggest possible misconduct, implicating senior officials within Mahajyoti.
Allegations also suggest Singh’s involvement in securing tenders for prominent classes in Pune and Delhi. He is also a director at the Success Institute and has partnerships with other organisations, including a reputed one.
Singh is accused of deceiving the GST department by substituting his photo on the GST certificate of Success. Despite previous scandals in Mahajyoti, contracts worth Rs. 15 to Rs. 18 crore have allegedly been awarded to his organisation without proper tendering. The fees per student were reportedly increased, allowing Singh to extract a substantial commission by misappropriating government funds allocated to Mahajyoti.
“I urge the state government to take the corruption allegations seriously and implement stringent measures against those responsible. Influential political figures and state officials are undermining institutions meant for the underprivileged, making it difficult for Marathi youth to secure employment compared to outsiders,” said Akshay Kamble, National Student Congress representative and Right to Information activist.
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