Investigation Demanded Over Alleged Cloned Government Branding in Jharkhand Startup Events
RANCHI / JAMSHEDPUR: A major controversy has erupted within Jharkhand’s burgeoning business community over the alleged misuse of government identities by private event organizers. The Indian Startup Association (ISA) has formally demanded a high-level probe into private entities using names like “Startup Jharkhand” and “Supported by Startup India (DPIIT)” to charge entrepreneurs hefty registration and stall fees.
The ISA, led by National President Rathin Bhadra, has flagged the commercial exploitation of official government nomenclature. Under the central government’s “TEJAS” scheme, Startup India provides up to ₹4 lakh per district for free entrepreneurial workshops. However, local private organizers are allegedly charging startups for similar events while using government logos to imply official backing.
Key concerns raised by the association include unauthorized branding by private groups using official logos and government names without active Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). They have also flagged commercialization through charging vulnerable startups and students fees under the guise of state-supported initiatives. Furthermore, a private equity-based firm named “I Hub Startup Jharkhand Foundation” is allegedly masquerading as the official state body, while reputed institutional partners like XLRI, CCL, IHM, and JIADA are potentially backing these events without verifying credentials.
The ISA has escalated the matter to top bureaucratic and law enforcement channels. Formal complaints have been dispatched to Jharkhand’s Chief Secretary, the Director General of Police (DGP), the ADG CID, and the Information Technology Department. The body warns that unauthorized website domains and logos mimicking state portals could constitute cyber-related offenses and misrepresentation.
Political leaders, including Union Minister of State for Defence and Ranchi MP Sanjay Seth, alongside Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, have also been briefed on the situation. The association emphasized that while private networking events are welcome, transparency is non-negotiable.
“Jharkhand’s startup future will not be strengthened merely through events, but through trust, transparency, and accountability,” Bhadra stated, warning that financial fraud under a cloned government banner could permanently damage investor trust in the state.
