CSC Society cautions against misinformation, coercion in scholarship applications
Dimapur, July 9 (MExN): The Common Service Centre (CSC) Village Level Entrepreneur Cooperative Society Ltd. for Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima districts has alleged that certain individuals are misleading and intimidating students, parents and educational institutions by falsely claiming that National Scholarship Portal (NSP) applications must be submitted only through specific individuals or offices.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the Society said it had received several reports that students and educational institutions were being pressured into believing that failure to submit applications through particular persons would result in rejection of applications or delays in verification.
The Society also alleged that some individuals have been approaching educational institutions claiming to have been officially authorised or mandated to handle scholarship applications. It further claimed that the names of the District Education Office (DEO) and the District Nodal Office were being misused to pressure institutions into routing applications through them.
Seeking clarity on the matter, the Society said it contacted the District Education Office, which categorically stated that it had issued no order or directive requiring scholarship applications to be submitted through any particular individual or office.
According to the Society, the DEO clarified that it has not appointed or authorised any private individual to exclusively handle or collect NSP applications. It further stated that the role of the District Nodal Office is limited to verification of applications in accordance with Government guidelines, while Help Desks may voluntarily assist applicants but cannot compel students or parents to use their services.
The Society said the DEO dismissed the allegations regarding mandatory submission through specific individuals as "false and misleading."
Clarifying the application process, the Society stated that the National Scholarship Portal is an open Government platform accessible to all eligible applicants. Students are free to submit applications through any authorised or designated Common Service Centre (CSC) or any other legitimate service provider of their choice.
The Society noted that CSCs, functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, have long been providing Government-to-Citizen (G2C) services at the grassroots level, including services related to the National Scholarship Portal.
The Society also reminded parents and guardians that obtaining a genuine income certificate is their responsibility and cautioned against the use of false or fabricated certificates. It warned that submission of fraudulent documents could lead to rejection of scholarship applications and legal action under the applicable laws.
It further warned that strict action would be taken against any CSC Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) found misusing the names of the DEO or District Nodal Office, falsely claiming Government authorisation, coercing students or educational institutions, or engaging in unethical or illegal practices during the scholarship application process.
Urging students, parents and educational institutions to remain vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent practices, the Society said the scholarship application process should remain free, fair, transparent and accessible to all without intimidation, monopoly or misuse of authority.
