Question : FUNDS TO GANDHIAN INSTITUTE OF STUDIES

(a) whether it is a fact that the Indian Council of Social Science Research is denying funds to the Gandhian Institute of Studies, Varanasi and trying to take over this autonomous institute;

(b) whether the attention of the Government has been drawn to the statement by eminent academicians voicing concern over this development;

(c) if so, the facts and the reaction of the Government thereto; and

(d) the reasons for stopping the grant-in-aid to this institute by the ICSSR in 1999 and attempting to de-register or dissolve the Institute’s parent society?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (Dr. VALLABHBHAI KATHIRIA)

(a) As per information given by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), the grant-in-aid to the Gandhian Institute of Studies (GIS), Varanasi has been withheld by the Council from August 1999 because of serious irregularities, maladministration and financial improprieties which were detected by the Special Audit conducted by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, under the directions of Hon’ble Allahabad High Court.

(b) Yes, Sir. Government has come across such a news item.

(c) & (d) The matter is subjudice. There is no proposal before ICSSR to deregister or dissolve or to take over GIS.