New Delhi, July 26: Authorities have registered a case against two skill development centres affiliated with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) for allegedly forging training records and misusing government funds. The complaint, filed by NSDC, alleges that the centres — both located in southwest Delhi — manipulated biometric attendance data to falsely claim the presence of trainees under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana), a flagship scheme aimed at promoting skill development among Indian youth.
One of the centres, operated by the Right Vision Foundation from Mahavir Enclave, came under scrutiny after a surprise inspection on January 17 by a government-appointed officer revealed significant discrepancies. Although the centre had marked biometric attendance for 186 trainees using the Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS), the inspection team found no trainees physically present at the facility.
Following the inspection, the NSDC issued a show cause notice to the Right Vision Foundation on February 18, demanding an explanation for the falsified records. However, after receiving no adequate response, the corporation proceeded to file a formal complaint, triggering a criminal investigation.
A First Information Report (FIR) has now been lodged under sections 316 (criminal breach of trust) and 318 (cheating) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Police officials confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that they have begun probing the matter further to determine the full extent of the fraud.
A senior officer involved in the case said, “We have registered a case based on the NSDC’s complaint. A man identified as the single point of contact (SPOC) for the foundation has been named. He will be called for questioning. We are investigating how they managed to manipulate the biometric attendance and whether there’s a broader scam involving more centres or individuals.”
In addition to the Mahavir Enclave centre, another facility linked to the same training partner has also been accused of violating PMKVY operational guidelines. According to the FIR, this second centre was similarly engaged in faking training data, thereby wrongfully drawing funds from the government.
The Aadhaar Enabled Biometric Attendance System, designed to bring transparency and curb fraudulent practices in training schemes, appears to have been circumvented in this case. Authorities are now examining whether the software was tampered with or whether credentials were misused to generate false attendance logs.
The Right Vision Foundation was entrusted with imparting vocational skills to unemployed youth, with funding support provided under the PMKVY. Each trainee enrolled in a certified course allows the training partner to receive government reimbursement upon completion, based on attendance and course completion data.
“The misuse of public funds in such a manner not only hampers the government’s goal of skilling India’s youth but also undermines trust in institutions meant to bring social change,” an NSDC official said on condition of anonymity.
The police are now tracing the identities of the 186 “trainees” listed in the system to determine whether they were ever enrolled or if their identities were fabricated. Investigators are also reviewing digital attendance logs, financial transactions, and staff records from both centres to identify all individuals involved.
This case highlights growing concerns over accountability and transparency in government-funded skill development programs. Officials say further audits may be conducted at other centres across the city to rule out similar practices.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have assured strict action against those found guilty of defrauding the government and compromising public welfare schemes.
