The CSC VLE Cooperative Society clarifies that no private individuals are authorised to exclusively process National Scholarship Portal applications.
DIMAPUR — The Common Service Centre (CSC) Village Level Entrepreneur Cooperative Society Limited, representing Dimapur, Niuland, and Chümoukedima districts, has issued a public notice clarifying that no specific individual or private office has been authorised to exclusively collect or process National Scholarship Portal (NSP) applications.
According to the society, several reports were received alleging that certain individuals have been intimidating and pressuring students, parents, and educational institutions by claiming that NSP applications must be submitted only through specific individuals or offices. It was also alleged that failure to do so would result in the rejection of applications or delays in verification.
Additionally, it said in a statement that the society received information that some individuals have been approaching educational institutions claiming to have been officially authorised to handle scholarship applications.
Further concerns were raised that certain individuals are misusing the names of the District Education Office (DEO) and the District Nodal Office to pressure institutions into processing applications through them.
In view of these allegations, the society contacted the DEO to seek clarification. The DEO categorically stated that no such order or directive has been issued requiring scholarship applications to be submitted through any particular individual or office.
Furthermore, the DEO clarified that it has not appointed or authorised any private individual to exclusively handle or collect NSP applications. The role of the District Nodal Office is limited to the verification of applications as per government guidelines. Help desks may assist applicants voluntarily, but students and parents are under no obligation to apply through any specific person, office, or organisation. Consequently, the DEO dismissed the allegations as false and misleading.
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The society clarified that the NSP is an open government portal accessible to all eligible applicants. Students are free to submit their scholarship applications from any authorised or designated CSC or any other legitimate service provider of their choice.
It added that CSCs, functioning under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), have a long-standing role in delivering government-to-citizen (G2C) services at the grassroots level, and NSP services are among those facilities.
Accordingly, all educational institutions, parents, and students have been informed that applicants are free to apply from any CSC or authorised service centre they find convenient and may seek assistance from the official help desk if required. No applicant can be compelled to submit their scholarship application through any particular office, individual, or organisation.
The society reminded all parents and guardians that obtaining a genuine income certificate is their personal responsibility. Parents or guardians should apply for the certificate themselves through the appropriate government authority and ensure that only authentic documents are uploaded during the application process.
Pointing out instances of malpractice involving the use of false or fabricated income certificates for financial gain, the society cautioned applicants that submitting false documents may lead to the rejection of the scholarship application and may attract legal action under the applicable laws.
It issued a strict warning to any individual, CSC Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE), or any other person who misuses the names of the DEO or District Nodal Office, falsely claims government authorisation, coerces educational institutions, parents, or students, or engages in unethical practices for personal benefit.
It maintained that any CSC VLE found engaging in such misconduct will face strict action by the society without exception.
The society urged all stakeholders to remain vigilant against misinformation, coercion, and fraudulent practices, noting that the scholarship application process must remain free, fair, transparent, and accessible to everyone.