Question : I.C.H.R.

(a) the subjects on which research has been conducted by Indian Council of Historical Research during the last three years;

(b) the quantum of financial grants made by the Government for high level researches during the period;

(c) whether the funds allocated for this purpose have not been utilized properly;

(d) if so, the reasons therefor;

(e) whether the CAG in one of its report has detected serious frauds in the grants made for these researches;

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon alongwith its outcome;

(g) whether responsibility for the lapse has since been fixed; and

(h) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT ( SHRI ARJUN SINGH )

(a) & (b) : Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) has informed that research has been conducted on eleven special research projects. A list of these projects indicating the subject of research is enclosed as Annexure – I. An amount of Rs.22.47 lakh was spent by ICHR on these projects.

(c) to (h) : As per the information furnished by the ICHR, C&AG in its inspection report for 2003-2004 has pointed out certain irregularities in respect of project entitled, “Archaeology and Traditions: A Study of Indo-European & Indo- Aryan Languages and Archaeology”.

The Government have, on 6th September 2004, appointed Shri D Bandyopadhyay, Executive Chairperson, Council for Social Development and former Secretary to the Government of India to review the work of Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) and to hold inquiry into the affairs thereof. The terms of reference of the Review are as follows :-

(i)	review the administrative and financial functioning of the Council in relation to aims	and objectives as laid down in its Memorandum of Association (MOA) / Rules;

(ii)	probe into non-publication / stoppage of volumes of `Towards the Freedom Project;

(iii)	probe into non-submission of research work by scholars, who were given fellowship by	the Council during 1995-96 - 2000-2001, as highlighted in the Report of the C & AG 2002-03;

(iv)	probe into complaints / issues which are pending or could be received or referred by	the Ministry about the functioning of the Council;

(v)	consult eminent historians/academicians on any matter under review, if need be; and

(vi)	make such recommendations and suggest remedial measures as are necessary to improve the	functioning of the Council and ensure its autonomy.

List of Special Research Projects

1)	Atlas of the Indus Saraswati Civilization
2)	Archaeological Research Methodology
3)	Greek sources in Ancient India
4)	Archaeology & Traditions: A Study of Indo-European & Indo-Aryan Langauges and Archaeology
5)	Growth of Cities during the Second Urbanization in India 1000 BC – 100 AD
6)	The Documentation of British Census Policy 1871-1941
7)	Potteries in Ancient & Medieval India
8)	Historical & Archaeological work of Parsis/Zoarastrian Religious Places of Importance	in Western India (with special reference to Barat Cave)
9)	Salvaging and conserving the damaged source material of History & Archaeology in Gujarat
10)	Indian Patroglyphs scientific Investigations & Dating by International Commission
11)	History and Archaeology of Indian Ocean Trade: Roman Arab and Chinese (200 BC – 1200 AD)