Question : PREPARATION OF DATABASE OF THE WORKERS OF INDIAN DIASPORA



(a) whether the work relating to preparation of a database of the workers of Indian diaspora was assigned to the M/s. Phoenix Rose LLC, Maryland;

(b) if so, whether rules were overlooked in assigning this work to this company;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the regular payments were made despite the fact that the vendor had not completed the work relating to the final phase;

(e) if so, whether excess payment has been made in comparison to the work completed; and

(f) if so, the details thereof and the action taken against the guilty in this regard?

Answer given by the minister



MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING; MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (ASHWANI KUMAR)

(a) The Department of Science and Technology (DST) sanctioned in October 2006 a project entitled “Development of Database and Networking of Professionals of Indian Origin in US (PIOUS)”for implementation by the Indian Embassy in Washington through M/s Phoenix Rose LLC.

(b) & (c): No Madam. Government procedures for sanctioning the project were followed.

(d) Release of installments was based on the progress report submitted by the vendor. More than 22,000 entries have been made in the PIOUS database. A total amount of US$ 105,000 has been paid by Indian Embassy in installments after the project was reviewed and found to be completed satisfactorily. The balance amount of grant-in-aid of US$ 15,000 has not been released, pending verification of data.

(e) No, Madam.

(f) Does not arise.