Ontario/Chandigarh, October 13: The allocation of approximately $219 million in funding through Ontario’s Student Assistance Program (OSAP) has drawn scrutiny towards private career colleges across the Canadian province, with questions emerging about enrolment practices, course delivery and the oversight of student financial assistance.
Among those mentioned in reports surrounding the controversy is Punjab-origin businessman Gurinder Singh Bhatti, founder and owner of Opulence Education Group. The company is associated with multiple Academy of Learning locations in Toronto, North York and Brampton.
According to published reports and investigative findings, a network of private educational institutions, including campuses linked to Bhatti, received substantial amounts through provincial student assistance programmes. Concerns reportedly arose after instances were flagged in which students were said to have completed entire course requirements in a single day.
The developments prompted provincial authorities to temporarily suspend funding eligibility for certain online programmes as officials moved to strengthen regulatory oversight and examine compliance with programme requirements.
Inputs suggest that he is allegedly working alongside actor Salman Khan and watch brand Marc Jacobs for real estate ventures in Mohali.
The controversy has also fuelled concerns among student advocacy groups and commentators about whether some private institutions are prioritising enrolment and student status over conventional educational delivery. Questions have additionally been raised about potential conflicts of interest arising from overlapping ownership and recruitment arrangements.
Reports indicate that Bhatti has held directorial positions in student recruitment businesses in Punjab, including Express Student Services, while also owning educational institutions in Canada where students subsequently enrol. Such arrangements have drawn attention to the relationship between overseas recruitment agencies and the institutions receiving international students.
The businessman has also reportedly faced legal challenges in Jalandhar in connection with student visa consultancy operations. Archival records dating to 2013 refer to allegations concerning documentation and high fee structures. The nature and outcome of those proceedings would need to be established through official records.
Meanwhile, Bhatti’s public social media profile, which showcases business ventures and a luxury-oriented lifestyle, has added to the public interest surrounding his operations. However, such posts do not, in themselves, establish wrongdoing.
The wider controversy has renewed debate over transparency in student assistance funding, accountability among private career colleges and safeguards governing international student recruitment. The allegations concerning Bhatti and institutions associated with him require assessment against official findings and documented evidence, and should not be treated as proof of misconduct unless established by the relevant authorities.
