PUNE: A day after the question over the scam of ‘Earn and Learn’ scheme at Savitribai Phule Pune University was raised at the State Assembly’s on Monday, a detailed report regarding it was submitted by the committee headed by former vice-chancellor Arun Adsul to the varsity on Tuesday.

While replying to the objection raised over it, Minister of State for Higher and Technical Education Ravindra Waikar had assured that the government will file criminal cases against those involved in the scam.

SPPU Vice-Chancellor (VC) Nitin Karmalkar had appointed the committee headed by former VC Arun Adsul two months ago to look into the scam. “We have submitted the final report to the VC office. Through our committee, we identified the persons involved. The report maintained the fact-finding which included details of the persons and how it happened,” said Adsul.

While replying to the question in the Assembly, Waikar said, “This financial irregularity was probed by a committee which found out the irregularities.  The committee’s report will be submitted in a month’s time, before that on the basis of primary enquiry criminal cases will be filed against the accused.” 

A couple of months ago there was an uproar over earn-and-learn scheme irregularities at SPPU. It was noticed that some bogus students were availing of the benefits of the scheme and the actual needy were left in the lurch. Third party bank account details were mentioned against the names of some of the students.

Students on the campus pointed out that students aspiring for examinations like UPSC and MPSC have enrolled in SPPU departments for the sake of availing the scheme. Students also claimed that if thoroughly investigated no attendance will be found in department records against these ghost students. Students are likely to submit a letter to the university authorities requesting an inquiry into this.

SPPU VC Karmalkar and Pro-VC NS Umarani weren’t available for comments.