(a) whether the Government are aware of the financial administrative short comings including in purchase of computers in Indian Council of Agriculture Research Institute;
(b) if so, the facts thereof;
(c) whether the cost of many projects of the Institute has escalated due to the inordinate delay in their implementation;
(d) if so, the details thereof;
(e) whether the Government have conducted any enquiry in this regard; and
(f) if so, the results thereof and the action taken thereon?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE (DR. DEBENDRA PRADHAN)
(a) to (f): Yes, Sir. Certain alleged irregularities in purchase of computers in the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) were brought to the notice of Government. Separately, an internal audit report prepared by the office of Chief Controller of Accounts, Ministry of Agriculture, containing certain financial and administrative irregularities in the ICAR was also received in the Department of Agricultural Research & Education. All these issues have already been examined and replies of the Department furnished to Chief Controller of Accounts, Ministry of Agriculture. As regards irregularities in the purchase of computer, the Chief Vigilance Officer, Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying was asked to conduct a preliminary inquiry. Subsequently, Secretary (A&C) was also asked to conduct an inquiry in the procurement of computers. The report submitted by Secretary (Agriculture & Cooperatrion) has been accepted and action has been initiated on the suggestions made therein.