(a) whether in June, 2003 Employees Provident Fund Organisation had purchased and distributed gold medals to all its employees at the cost of Rs. 9.03 crores;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has detected any violation of instructions issued by the Ministry of Finance;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the action taken by the Government thereon?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT (SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU)
(a) & (b): On the occasion of Golden Jubilee Year of the Organisation a total of 19461 gold medallions were supplied by M/s. MMTC Ltd. which were distributed to the employees of Employees Provident Fund Organisation. After delivery of the gold coins, the MMTC had raised a final debit note for Rs. 9.31 crores.
(c) & (d): An Audit Para was raised by DGACR for inclusion in the CAG Report for 2005 regarding `injudicious expenditure on gold medallions`. However, a reply was furnished to DGACR clarifying the position. Employees Provident Fund Organisation is a statutory body formed under an Act of Parliament and raises its own finance for meeting expenditure on cost of establishment and other expenditures relating to the benefits of the Employees.
(e): Does not arise in view of (c) & (d) above.