ED Raids Ex-IAS Officer in ₹105 Crore SCERT Fraud Case in Assam

Quick Summary

• the Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted raids on August 5, 2025, against retired IAS officer Sewali Devi Sharma and others in a ₹105 crore scam linked to the Assam State council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT).
• Searches targeted at least eight premises connected to Sharma, who previously served as Executive Chairman-cum-Director of SCERT’s Open and Distance Learning cell (ODL), and her alleged associates.
• The money laundering investigation stems from a May 2023 FIR filed by Assam’s CM’s Special Vigilance Cell. Sharma was arrested in Rajasthan shortly after the complaint.
• Police earlier chargesheeted her for disproportionate assets worth ₹5.7 crore; she obtained bail from the Supreme Court in March 2025.
• Allegedly involved irregularities occurred during her tenure at SCERT between 2017-2020:

– Created unauthorized study centres: increased from state-approved 59 institutions to alleged 347 centres enrolling over one lakh trainees for funds.- Funds received in fees totaled ₹115 crore, of which ₹105 crore was expended without requisite government approvals or proper procedures.
– Contracts were awarded to entities controlled by family members and associates without tenders or advertisements as required under procurement rules.
– Payments were reportedly made without verification or complete delivery of materials/work performance.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The allegations against Sewali Devi Sharma highlight systemic vulnerabilities within regulatory oversight mechanisms concerning public education schemes. Misuse of office such as unauthorized creation of entities and transfer/self-use of public funds not only breaches procedural compliance but undermines trust in governance systems intended for welfare projects like teacher training. If confirmed through due legal process, these findings could have broader implications for reforming administrative accountability across states.

Additionally, this case underscores the critical need for implementing robust financial monitoring frameworks that prevent sole signatories’ unchecked access to large sums allocated under government programs. Concerns about misuse amid a lackluster tendering process further emphasize weak institutional checks that offer room for nepotism.While investigations continue, it remains vital that both state and central agencies devise measures to prevent recurrence while ensuring fair trial standards remain upheld until judgments are pronounced.

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