Brief of Alam Pasha’s Press Conference
At a press conference in Bengaluru, Alam Pasha, President of The Helping Citizen, accused the Shaheen Group of Institutions and its Chairman, Dr. Abdul Qadeer, of misusing government scholarships, manipulating student records, and diverting welfare funds meant for poor students. He demanded government accountability, a CBI inquiry, and legal action. Pasha also criticized the role of ministers and officials for negligence and complicity, alleging that thousands of students and families have been cheated of their rights.
Alam Pasha Exposes Alleged Scholarship Scam in Shaheen Group of Institutions
Press conference raises serious allegations of corruption, misuse of funds, and government negligence
Bengaluru: In a strongly worded press conference, Alam Pasha, President of The Helping Citizen, leveled grave allegations against the Shaheen Group of Institutions and its Chairman, Dr. Abdul Qadeer, accusing them of large-scale corruption, misuse of government schemes, and misappropriation of scholarship funds meant for underprivileged students.
The accusations, if proven, could expose a serious breach of public trust in one of Karnataka’s most prominent private educational groups, raising urgent questions about accountability, transparency, and the government’s role in safeguarding welfare schemes.
Allegations of Fraud and Misuse of Scholarships
Addressing press, Alam Pasha claimed that scholarships and welfare funds released by both the Karnataka Government and the Central Government for poor and minority students had been diverted or misused by Shaheen Group and allied institutions.
“Government scholarships are meant to reach directly into the bank accounts of students. But the reality is that funds are being manipulated in the name of institutions with inflated student numbers,” Pasha alleged.
According to him, Shaheen Group claims to enroll nearly 20,000 students in Bidar, while several other institutions such as Madani College also report thousands on their rolls. Altogether, he said, figures are projected to show nearly one lakh students across affiliated schools and colleges. “The concern,” Pasha stated, “is whether these numbers are real and whether the funds released in their names have genuinely reached the students.”
Call for Government Accountability
The activist did not limit his criticism to the institutions alone but also directed sharp questions at the government. He accused the Minority Welfare Department, the Education Department, and ministers such as Zameer Ahmed Khan of negligence and complicity.
“Where are the utilization certificates for the hundreds of crores released every year? Why is there no audit, no accountability, and no transparency? Are these funds reaching the intended beneficiaries or being pocketed by middlemen?” Pasha asked.
He further demanded that the Chief Minister of Karnataka and higher officials respond publicly, clarifying the flow of funds and the criteria for disbursement. “The silence of the government raises doubts of a cover-up,” he added.
Concerns Over Data Misuse and Intimidation
In a striking revelation, Pasha also raised concerns over the alleged misuse of personal data collected from students and parents. He claimed that sensitive details such as phone numbers and identity proofs, gathered during scholarship registrations, were being misappropriated and possibly sold.
“Why is such massive personal data being extracted from mosques and community centers? Who benefits from this? There are fears that it may even be misused to target the community under false allegations of terrorism,” he said.
He also pointed to instances where parents raising questions faced intimidation. During the press conference, a mother reportedly spoke about her child suffering food poisoning at a Shaheen hostel, but her grievances, Pasha said, were “met with silence or threats rather than compassion.”
Misallocation of Welfare Funds
Beyond scholarships, Pasha alleged that funds meant for community welfare—such as marriage support for poor girls or housing aid—were being diverted for other purposes, including religious pilgrimages.
“It is shameful that money meant for the poorest families is misused for purposes that do not serve the intended beneficiaries. When mosques and community organizations collect donations, there must be complete transparency. Instead, the community is left in the dark,” he declared.
Questions on Institutional Legitimacy
The press conference also highlighted concerns about the legitimacy and capacity of certain institutions to manage large student populations. Pasha accused Shaheen and allied colleges of inflating student numbers, creating multiple “branches” without proper recognition, and issuing questionable certificates.
“On paper, tens of thousands of students exist. But how many of them are real? How many have received their rightful scholarships? The numbers don’t add up,” he said.
Call for Legal Action and CBI Inquiry
Terming the situation a systemic fraud, Pasha demanded that the matter be handed over to central investigative agencies.
“The misappropriation of scholarships involves central government funds. This is not a small irregularity—it runs into crores. We demand a CBI investigation into the misuse of these funds and into the role of institutions like Shaheen Group,” he said.
He added that if proven, those responsible should face strict legal action, including imprisonment. “Corruption in education is a crime against the future of our children. The law must not spare anyone—whether they are powerful religious leaders, influential educators, or negligent ministers,” Pasha asserted.
Emotional Appeal from Affected Families
The press conference also featured testimonies from distressed parents. One mother, breaking down in tears, accused institutions of neglecting student welfare while profiting from government funds. “Our children suffer in hostels without proper food or care, while these institutions become rich in our name,” she lamented.
Pasha underlined that such voices represent the lived reality of many poor families. “This is not just about numbers. Behind every misused rupee is a child deprived of education, a family robbed of dignity, and a community betrayed,” he said.
A Plea for Transparency and Reform
Throughout his address, Alam Pasha emphasized that the issue was not about targeting one institution but about systemic corruption that plagues welfare and educational schemes in Karnataka.
“Institutions like Shaheen must answer, but so must the government. Transparency is the only way forward. Every rupee of scholarship money must be tracked, every student accounted for, and every official held responsible,” he said.
He concluded with a stern message: “Education is the lifeline of our community. If funds meant for poor students are looted, it is nothing less than betrayal. We will not stay silent. We demand justice, accountability, and reform.”
Any Response From The Govt.? What Next?
The allegations made by Alam Pasha are serious, touching not only on issues of corruption but also on trust in educational institutions that thousands of families rely on. If proven, they would represent one of the largest misappropriations of scholarship funds in Karnataka’s recent history.
As of now, neither the Shaheen Group of Institutions nor Dr. Abdul Qadeer has issued a detailed public response to the allegations. The government too has remained largely silent. But with mounting pressure from activists and families, the demand for an independent inquiry is likely to intensify.
Until then, the controversy continues to raise troubling questions about the misuse of government schemes, the vulnerability of poor students, and the urgent need for transparency and accountability in education funding.
🔹 Background of the Case
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The Shaheen Group of Institutions, headquartered in Bidar, Karnataka, runs a network of colleges and claims to educate nearly 20,000 students.
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Every year, state and central governments release crores in scholarships for minority and underprivileged students, routed through the Minority Welfare Department.
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Allegations suggest these funds have not reached the actual students, with inflated figures and improper utilization certificates used to siphon money.
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Activist Alam Pasha has previously raised issues of corruption in welfare schemes and has now demanded a thorough investigation into the alleged fraud.
🔹 Key Quotes
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Alam Pasha: “Government scholarships are meant for poor students, not for building empires. Every rupee looted is a betrayal of the community.”
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On government negligence: “Where are the utilization certificates for crores released every year? The silence of ministers raises doubts of complicity.”
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On accountability: “Corruption in education is a crime against the future of our children. The law must not spare anyone—no matter how powerful.”
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On parents’ distress: “Our children suffer in hostels without proper food or care, while institutions become rich in their name.”
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On investigation: “This is not a small irregularity. It is a systemic fraud running into crores. Only a CBI inquiry can reveal the truth.”
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Alam Pasha:
“We demand immediate action from the Karnataka Government and central agencies. Funds released for poor and minority students must be tracked, audited, and recovered from those misusing them.” -
On community responsibility:
“Donations and welfare money must be handled with transparency. Parents and students cannot be silenced by intimidation.” -
On Shaheen Group:
“Institutions claiming one lakh students on paper must prove how many actually received scholarships. Inflated numbers are being used to loot government funds.”
🔹 Key Q&A
Q1. What triggered this clash between Alam Pasha and Dr. Abdul Qadeer?
A: The conflict began when Alam Pasha accused Dr. Abdul Qadeer and the Shaheen Group of Institutions of corruption, misuse of funds, and irregularities. In response, Dr. Abdul Qadeer held a press meet calling Pasha’s allegations false and motivated, which led Pasha to counter with another press conference.
Q2. What are the specific allegations made by Alam Pasha?
A: Pasha has alleged scholarship misuse, irregularities in institutional funds, and unethical practices by the Shaheen Group of Institutions.
Q3. How did Dr. Abdul Qadeer initially respond?
A: Dr. Abdul Qadeer dismissed the allegations, terming them baseless and politically motivated. He accused Pasha of attempting to malign his reputation and that of Shaheen Group.
Q4. Why did Alam Pasha hold a second press conference?
A: He claimed it was necessary to reply to Abdul Qadeer’s denials and present his charges more clearly to the public and authorities.
Q5. What is Alam Pasha demanding now?
A: Pasha has demanded that Dr. Abdul Qadeer give a point-by-point response to the charges, and he insists on transparency and accountability from Shaheen Group of Institutions.
Q6: What are the main allegations against Shaheen Group of Institutions?
A: Alam Pasha alleges misuse of government scholarships, inflated student figures, and diversion of welfare funds meant for poor students.
Q7: Who has been held responsible?
A: Along with Shaheen Chairman Dr. Abdul Qadeer, Pasha has questioned the role of the Minority Welfare Department, ministers, and the Karnataka government for failing to ensure transparency.
Q8: What action is being demanded?
A: A CBI investigation, legal action against those guilty, and strict accountability from government departments and officials.
Q9: How are students and families affected?
A: Many poor students are allegedly deprived of scholarships, while parents report neglect, poor hostel conditions, and intimidation when raising complaints.
Q10. Has Dr. Abdul Qadeer provided a detailed rebuttal so far?
A: No. Apart from his earlier press conference dismissing the allegations, no detailed response has been given to the specific points raised by Pasha.
Q11. How significant are these allegations for the Shaheen Group of Institutions?
A: The allegations strike at the credibility and reputation of Shaheen Group, which has built a strong name in education, particularly among minority communities.
Q12. How are the allegations being viewed by the public and community?
A: The controversy has created confusion and concern among students, parents, and supporters of Shaheen Group. Many are awaiting clarity and concrete answers.
Q13. What could be the implications if these allegations remain unanswered?
A: Lack of a clear response could damage public trust, affect the institution’s reputation, and even invite legal or governmental scrutiny.
Q14. What is the way forward?
A: Observers believe that transparency, documentation, and open clarification by Dr. Abdul Qadeer and Shaheen Group will be crucial in settling the matter. Meanwhile, Alam Pasha’s persistence indicates the issue may escalate further unless resolved publicly or privately.
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