Question : DIVERSION OF FUNDS FOR OBCS

(a) whether the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has diverted funds given under Other Backward Classes (OBCs) grants for research to meet the expenses for organizing tours;

(b) if so, the details of funds released by the UGC under OBCs grants during 2008 to 2011, year-wise;

(c) the funds utilized for the purpose, year-wise;

(d) whether the C&AG has also made any remarks on the utilization of funds;

(e) if so, the details thereof; and

(f) the action taken/being taken by the Government on diversion of funds?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (DR. D. PURANDESHWARI)

(a) to (c) According to the information furnished by the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), there has been no diversion of funds given to the University under the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) grant for research. The sanction communicated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) permits the University usage of recurring grants for non-salary/other expenditure and accordingly the University allocated Rs. 10 lakhs and Rs. 3 lakhs each to Science and non-Science Faculty members for procurement of research materials, equipment, fieldwork, seminars, national and international travel in connection with academic and research activities.Under the OBC grant, during the year 2008 to 2011, the funds released by the UGC and utilized by JNU are as under:-

Rs. in lakhs

Year	Funds released	Funds Utilized

2008-09	4,857	2,920.08

2009-10	4,000	4,022.65

2010-11	2,000	2401.30