Guwahati: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted extensive raids on Tuesday targeting properties linked to retired IAS officer Sewali Devi Sharma in connection with a money laundering and disproportionate assets case. Officials confirmed that at least eight premises associated with Sharma were searched as part of the ongoing investigation.
Background of the Case
Sewali Devi Sharma, a former Executive Chairman-cum-Director of the Assam State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), was previously chargesheeted by Assam police for alleged possession of disproportionate assets valued at ₹5.7 crore. The current probe by the ED follows an FIR lodged on the instructions of the Assam Chief Minister’s Special Vigilance Cell.
Role and Allegations Against Sharma
During her tenure, Sharma was responsible for the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Cell of SCERT, overseeing the implementation of the National Council for Teacher Education’s two-year Diploma in Elementary Education program. The state government had sanctioned the creation of 59 institutions and the training of nearly 28,000 teachers under this initiative.
Sources allege that Sharma irregularly opened 347 study centres and enrolled over 1 lakh trainees, purportedly to increase fund collections. She reportedly opened five bank accounts in the name of the ODL Cell, where she was the sole signatory—actions claimed to be in violation of the Assam Financial Responsibility and Budget Management Act, 2005.
Financial Irregularities and Mismanagement
The Enforcement Directorate’s investigation highlights that of the ₹115 crore fees collected from individuals, Sharma allegedly expended over ₹105 crore without securing financial sanctions from the state government. The funds were reportedly spent on supplies and works without adherence to proper rules and procedures.
Further, payments were allegedly disbursed despite incomplete supply of materials or absence of actual work. Many contracts were awarded without open tenders or advertisements, contravening government norms for procurement exceeding ₹5 lakh.
Involvement of Associates and Questionable Contracts
The ED’s probe has revealed that contracts were awarded predominantly to entities owned or controlled by Sharma’s associates and family members, including chartered accountant Sarang More, the auditor of the ODL Cell. Most of these parties lacked the requisite experience to execute the contracts, yet received payments without verification of services rendered or required receipts.
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Current Status
Sewali Devi Sharma was unavailable for comment. The ED’s investigation is ongoing, with further raids and actions expected as part of the crackdown on alleged corruption and financial mismanagement within the SCERT’s ODL program.
