Express News Service By

MADURAI: It was an euphoria shortlived. Dozens of students and parents who rushed to the Madurai Corporation office after getting a Whatsapp message saying those who scored over 75 per cent marks in Class X and Plus two examination were eligible for a cash award were left disappointed when officials told them that it was only a rumour.

The message said, "Just to inform all parents of 10th passed children. There is a scholarship scheme by our PM Narendra modi in the name of Abdul Kalam and Vajpayee. Students scoring more than 75% will get Rs 10,000. These forms r available in the municipal corporation. Pls do not ignore. For 12th std,above 85% its `25,000. Frwd in all grps" (sic)

"I got this message on May 24, informed my relative in Madurai, he and I went to Corporation office but officials said, there was no such cash rewards available," said Kalaiarasan from Dindigul. He came all the way from Dindigul to Madurai to help his relative to get cash reward of `10,000 who scored 410 marks in SSLC exams.

A Selvi, a mother from Sellur said when she came to knew about the cash reward, she decided to get the money from Corporation and use it for the education of her other daughter.

"My brother told me that we could get Rs 10,000 as my daughter scored more than 400 marks. I was planning to use it for my other daughter's admission. When I inquired in Corporation office, I was very much disappointed," she said.

Madurai Corporation education department officials said, since May 24, at least 10 to 15 students and parents visited Corporation offices for enquiry.

A senior officer from the Madurai Corporation said, "I have been explaining to students and parents that we do not have any such cash reward programme. Many parents argued with me for denying the cash rewards. We have informed this to our school headmasters as well. Parents and students trust whatsapp messages than school teachers," he said.

The officials also request the netizens not to spread rumours in the social media.