CSC warns against false claims in scholarship application process

DIMAPUR, JUL 9 (NPN): Common Service Centre (CSC) District Village Level Entrepreneur Cooperative Society Ltd. for Dimapur, Niuland and Chümoukedima districts has warned against intimidation, misinformation and unethical practices in the processing of National Scholarship Portal (NSP) applications, clarifying that students were free to apply through any authorised service provider.
In a public notice, the society said it had received several complaints alleging that certain individuals were pressuring students, parents and educational institutions by falsely claiming that NSP applications must be submitted only through specific persons or offices, failing which applications would be rejected or delayed.
The society also said some individuals had approached educational institutions claiming to have been officially authorised to handle scholarship applications, while others allegedly misused the names of the district education office (DEO) and district nodal office to influence institutions.
To seek clarification, the society said it contacted the DEO, which categorically stated that no order had been issued requiring scholarship applications to be submitted through any particular individual or office.
CSC said that as per DEO, no private individual has been appointed or authorised to exclusively collect or process NSP applications. It clarified that the role of the district nodal office was limited to verification of applications in accordance with government guidelines.
While help desks may voluntarily assist applicants, students and parents are under no obligation to apply through any specific person, office or organisation.
The society reiterated that the NSP was an open government platform accessible to all eligible applicants and that students were free to submit their applications through any authorised CSC or other legitimate service provider of their choice.
It noted that CSCs, functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), have long been providing government-to-citizen services, including assistance with NSP applications.
The society advised educational institutions, parents and students not to be influenced by false claims and reminded applicants that no one can compel them to submit applications through any particular office or individual.
It also urged parents and guardians to obtain genuine income certificates directly from the competent government authority and ensure that only authentic documents were uploaded during the application process.
Expressing concern over reports of fabricated income certificates being used to obtain scholarships, the society warned that submission of false documents could lead to rejection of applications and legal action under the relevant laws.
The society further cautioned that any individual or CSC village level entrepreneur (VLE) found falsely claiming government authorisation, misusing the names of the DEO or district nodal office, coercing applicants or educational institutions, or engaging in unethical practices for personal gain would face strict action.
Appealing to students, parents and educational institutions to remain vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent practices, the society said the scholarship application process must remain free, fair, transparent and accessible to all, without intimidation, monopoly or misuse of authority.