Centre to probe fund misuse charge: Selja
Monday, 20/01/2014
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2014/20140120/punjab.htm#12
Chandigarh : Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Kumari Selja has said the Centre will inquire into the delay in disbursal of scholarships by the Punjab Government. The reaction came after Sunil Jakhar, Congress Legislative Party Leader, approached the ministry alleging that the Punjab Government was misusing and diverting funds meant for students belonging to the Scheduled Caste and Backward Classes.
Jakhar said for 2013-14, Rs 280.81 crore was released for the scheme, but till date not a single paisa had been given to the needy students. Also Rs 50 crore released under the same scheme in 2011-12, had not reached the students, he said.
Jakhar has sought a proactive monitoring of the scheme. He also asked the minister to consider extending the benefit to students of economically weaker sections.
Kumari Selja told Jakhar that the ministry released the fund after evaluating the number of beneficiaries in each state. "Punjab too got funds after such evaluation. The disbursal of funds is the responsibility of the states concerned. The ministry will enquire into the matter," she said.
