Ontario/Chandigarh, Oct 13: A major investigation into the allocation of the Ontario Student Assistance Program, approximately 219 million dollars has drawn significant attention to private career colleges across the province. At the center of the ongoing inquiry is Punjab-origin businessman Gurinder Singh Bhatti, founder and owner of the Opulence Education Group. The enterprise serves as the parent organization for multiple Academy of Learning locations operating in Toronto, North York, and Brampton.
Public reports and investigative findings indicated that a small network of private institutions, including campuses tied to Bhatti, accessed substantial sums in provincial student grants.
Reports affirmed that some enrolled students completed entire course requirements within a single day, prompting provincial authorities to temporarily pause funding eligibility for specific online programs while regulatory oversight is strengthened.
The operational model has also drawn observations from student advocacy groups and commentators who maintained that certain institutions function primarily to maintain student enrolment statuses rather than focusing on traditional classroom delivery. Concerns have further been raised regarding dual ownership structures.
According to reports, he is allegedly collaborating with watch brand Marc Jacobs and actor Salman Khan on real estate projects in Mohali.
Bhatti reportedly serves as a director for recruitment agencies in Punjab, such as Express Student Services, while maintaining ownership of the Canadian educational institutions where students ultimately enroll.
Archival records from 2013 reveal that Bhatti previously faced legal challenges in Jalandhar, India, involving allegations of document issues and heavy fee structures at student visa consultancies.
While Bhatti actively presents a profile of extensive business ventures and personal luxury on social media, officials and policy observers continue to examine the structural and financial details of the education network in Ontario.
