ACB arrests 9 coaching centre owners in Jai Bhim scheme scam

In a major crackdown on alleged corruption in a Delhi Government welfare scheme, the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) of the Delhi Government on Thursday arrested nine owners, directors and associates of coaching institutes for siphoning funds meant for SC students under the Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana. 

The institutes were empanelled under the scheme during 2018-19 to provide free coaching to Scheduled Caste students for competitive examinations. According to ACB officials, the Department of Welfare of SCs, STs and OBCs, GNCTD, had registered FIR No 38/2025 with the ACB on August 7, 2025. 

The FIR alleged that several empanelled coaching institutes had committed illegalities to claim money from the government exchequer under the scheme. The Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana was launched in 2017 following Cabinet Decision No 2526 dated December 12, 2017.

The initial notification was issued on January 9, 2018. Eight institutes were empanelled in the first phase to coach SC category students, with around 5,000 students enrolled. 

Under the scheme, the Department of SC & ST was to pay coaching fees directly to the institutes and disburse a monthly stipend to students through the institutes. ACB’s investigation found that the scheme was expanded in 2019-20, and more institutes were empanelled. During scrutiny, officials detected submission of forged documents, inflated enrolment numbers, and claims for non-existent students.

“Funds meant for the welfare of SC students were allegedly diverted using fake attendance records and fabricated bills. Stipend amounts were also misappropriated,” a senior ACB officer said. After technical analysis and examination of documents, the ACB identified the role of nine owners/directors and associates of the empanelled institutes. They were arrested on Thursday.

The ACB said further investigation is underway to determine the total amount siphoned off and to examine the role of government officials, if any. “More arrests are likely as the probe progresses,” the officer added. The Jai Bhim Mukhyamantri Pratibha Vikas Yojana was launched to provide free coaching to students from SC, ST, OBC and EWS categories for exams such as UPSC, SSC, banking, railways and judicial services.