Govt to book those playing fraud with J&K students: Smriti Irani

New Delhi, Feb 25: The Centre is exploring various options to bring to book those who have played fraud with several hundred students from Jammu and Kashmir studying in various states under the Prime Minister's special scholarship scheme, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

Responding to the issue raised by Mehbooba Mufti (PDP) in the Zero Hour, HRD Minister Smriti Irani said the students were "misled" about the scheme by certain NGOs and individuals in certain states.

"We are exploring various possibilities ... Institutions and individuals will be brought to book... They have deliberately misled the students", Irani said.

Raising the issue, Mehbooba made a strong plea to the Centre to help the students who have been attracted into getting admission in certain institutions under the scheme some time back.

She said now the institutions were demanding money from the students as they are "not enlisted" under the Scheme. They are also being thrown out of hostels as they are not paying the fees.

Mehbooba said the Centre should come to the help of the students who hail from poor families and cannot afford the fees.

PTI