Nishikant Khajuria
JAMMU, Nov 12: Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has initiated probe into purported financial irregularities in spending crores of rupees in infrastructure development of Bhaderwah Campus of Jammu University.
Official sources told the Excelsior that taking cognizance of complaints of alleged irregularities, the Anti-Corruption Bureau has sought all relevant records pertaining to construction of the Bhaderwah Campus under PMRP programme during the year 2013 to 2015.
Besides, sources added, the office of Senior Superintendent of Police (Doda-Kishtwar Range), ACB Doda, has also asked the Jammu University to furnish details of purchases of computers, laptops and accessories of the Rectors campus during the tenure of Prof G M Bhat, then Rector Bhaderwah Campus.
The alleged irregularities in spending of funds more than Rs 10 crores were purportedly committed during the year 2013 to 2015 under implementation of PMRP Scheme for infrastructure development during the tenure of Prof G M Bhat as the Rector Bhaderwah Campus.
Sources informed that these irregularities were also established in the Internal Audit Report of Jammu University for the period 2018 to 2019 as well as Compliance Audit Report of the accounts of the Registrar, University of Jammu, for the year 2018-19 by Indian Audit and Accounts Department.
The Anti-Corruption Bureau has also asked Jammu University to urgently furnish both of these audit reports as well as DPR, technical sanction, accord of administrative approval, drawing, NIT, work allotment order, MB, work register of the buildings, physical and financial status of the buildings, supply order, payment vouchers, stock entry, quotation and comparative statements of bidders for these works etc, sources added.
The Compliance Audit Report of Indian Audit & Accounts Department has detected irregularities in spending of Rs 10.51 crore under implementation of PMRP under Infrastructure development of Bhaderwah Campus. These include, mismatch of Rs 2.74 crore in expenditure figures, diversion of funds of Rs 1.10 crore, irregular payment of secured advance of Rs 4.35 crore to Contractor, creation of un-authorized liabilities of Rs 1.42 crore, incurring of excess expenditure on contingencies, irregular extension of works, non renewal of bank guarantee worth Rs 40.47 lakh, etc.
It may be recalled that PMRP under infrastructure development of Bhaderwah Campus of JU, a proposal for one time special grant, was forwarded to the University Grants Commission (UGC) in January 2011. Based on the proposal, the UGC had sanctioned one time grant of Rs 24.34 crore for infrastructure development of Bhaderwah campus in April 2011. The first installment (50 percent) of the grant, amounting to Rs 12.17 crore was released by UGC between November 2011 and January 2012. The funds were to be utilized before March 31, 2015 with the condition that construction work had to be started on or before March 31, 2012 i. e during the XI Plan period.
However, the progress of completion of projects was dismal as out of six projects to be executed, only four constructions were completed upto roof level and two projects, including Faculty residence and Rector’s residence were almost non-starter despite the fact that Rs 1.05 crore were expended on foundation of these two buildings.
As per the audit report, reasons for non-execution of work above plinth level in respect of these two buildings were not on record. There were lapses in planning and execution of these works resulting in lapsing of grants and unfruitful expenditure of Rs 10.51 crore on abandoned works and delay in completion of works, which had also halted the second installment of funds.
Besides, the irregularities in construction works, the internal audit of Jammu University had detected alleged misappropriation of funds in purchase of computers, laptops, accessories and others items.
According to the sources, the Anti-Corruption has speeded up its preliminary investigation, which will be followed by registration of FIR in this regard.
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