Patna: Higher education minister Sanjay Singh Tiger on Wednesday ordered verification of educational institutions allegedly operating multiple colleges by furnishing false or misleading information and directed officials to tighten monitoring of the Student Credit Card Scheme to ensure benefits reach only eligible students.At a review meeting at Vikas Bhavan, the minister asked officials to investigate complaints related to educational institutions and verify their recognition status, infrastructure, facilities and compliance with prescribed norms. He said irregularities, if found, should be dealt with strictly in accordance with rules. Department secretary Rajiv Roshan and other senior officials attended the meeting.Reviewing the Student Credit Card Scheme, Tiger stressed that financial assistance should be extended only to eligible students. He directed officials to strengthen scrutiny and verification mechanisms so that genuine beneficiaries receive support for higher education without unnecessary delays or obstacles.The minister also asked officials to identify land for newly established degree colleges near block headquarters and other locations that are easily accessible to students. He directed them to complete the verification of certificates of teachers selected for the colleges within the stipulated timeframe.Tiger further reviewed the functioning of the state’s eight research institutes and called for measures to simplify and streamline their operations.“Negligence or irregularities at any level will not be tolerated,” the minister said, adding that officials or other individuals found responsible during investigations would face action as per rules.He also emphasised the need for stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms to improve governance and prevent irregularities in the higher education sector.
