Hyderabad Education Outfit Accused of Misusing RTE Funds Misrepresenting Students as ‘Joginis’ for Foreign Donations: ED
- Nilo Aslam
- Dec 10
- 2 min read
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has alleged that a Hyderabad-based education organization misappropriated government and foreign funds by misrepresenting ordinary school students as ‘joginis’ (sexually exploited temple attendants) to attract higher foreign donations. The organization, Operation Mercy India Foundation (OMIF), runs the Good Shepherd Schools programme, largely for underprivileged children.
Following searches, the ED attached immovable assets worth Rs 15 crore belonging to OMIF. The agency also alleged that the schools charged regular fees, book, uniform, and bus charges from students who were supposed to be fully sponsored, generating proceeds of crime under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Key Findings by ED:
Substantial government aid under the Right to Education (RTE) and scholarships was diverted to OMIF’s head office instead of reaching students.
Between 2011-12 and 2017-18, significant amounts collected from students and government sources were concealed from foreign donors, who believed they were funding free education.
Misrepresentation of ordinary students as joginis resulted in higher foreign donations (USD 60–68/month per child versus USD 20–28 for regular sponsorship).
Images of unrelated children were uploaded online, falsely depicting them as temple attendants.
Funds were diverted to affiliated entities for religious and core activities, including extravagant foreign travel of senior officials, including Dr. Joseph Gregory D’Souza.
The Good Shepherd Community Society (GSCS), an affiliated group, allegedly used parent-paid fees for church-related expenses and acquisition of immovable properties.
Following the probe, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has refused to renew the FCRA license of several OMIF entities and frozen their accounts.
A response from OMIF regarding the allegations is awaited.
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