(a) whether the Government is aware of Seamen`s Provident Fund Scam;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of persons against whom action has been taken so far;
(d) whether the Government has received representation for the replenishment of the funds of seamen;
(e) if so, the action taken by the Government thereon so far; and
(f) the manner in which the Government proposes to deal with the Seamen`s Provident Fund lost in the Scam?
MINISTER OF SHIPPING, ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS (SHRI T.R.BAALU)
(a),(b)&(c) Yes, Sir. The misappropriation of Seamen`s Provident Fund (SPF) to the tune of Rs. 92.78 crores was noticed in May, 2002. Immediately after this fraud came to notice, it was looked into and a Special Audit by a reputed Firm of Chartered Accountants was got done during the same week. On 10.5.2002, a complaint was lodged with CBI. The CBI arrested the then Commissioner, Seamen`s Provident Fund Organisation. The CBI has completed its inquiry and filed the charge sheet in the Court at Mumbai on 10.11.03 against 15 persons involved.
(d) Yes, Sir.
(e) & (f) The proposal to recoup the lost funds is under consideration of the Government.