Serious irregularities have been pointed out in the audit of the Center for Research in Rural and Industrial Development (CRRID).
From non-recovery of guest room fees to delay in grant distribution, loss of lakhs in bank interest – the audit has flagged serious problems.
The general examination of the accounts of CRRID for 2021-24 was conducted by the audit team from May 27, 2024 to June 5, 2024.
The delay in release of grant has caused CRRID to incur a loss of Rs 68.92L
CRRID is supported by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR) to the extent of 45% grant, of which 45% is matched by the Government of Punjab and the remaining 10% is financed by the institute itself. level.
During the examination of records, the Audit Department observed that during the year 2021-22, CRRID had paid an amount of Rs.166.40 lakhs as overdraft from State Bank, Sector 7, Chandigarh Branch with an interest of Rs. 68.92 lakhs was charged by the bank till 31 March 2024.
“The outstanding balance of the overdraft was 199.20 lakhs on 01-04-2021, which increased to 385.03 lakhs on 31.03.2024. As a result of the huge overdraft, the bank had attached the interest earned on FDRs of 5 crore corpus funds provided by the Punjab government to the overdraft account, the interest earned on these FDRs was being directly transferred by the bank to the overdraft account. Part of the grant provided by the Punjab Government. Due to the large amount of overdraft and interest, the overdraft liability increased rapidly. The administration/management of CRRID did not make efforts to reduce the overdraft, resulting in a huge loss in grant expenditure in favor of the overdraft,” the audit observed.
After pointing out, CRRID said that efforts will be made to reduce the liability, though the final answer is awaited.
Non-receipt of grant from ICSSR, Punjab
CRRID is being supported by ICSSR to the extent of 45% grant, with 45% matching grant from Punjab Government and remaining 10% finance to be managed by the Institute at its own level.
On examination of the records, it was found that this department has not received Rs 49.48 lakh subsidy for the year 2023-24.
1.32 lakh guest room fee recovery
During the examination of records, it is seen that Department of Animal Husbandry, Punjab has booked faculty guest room at CRRID from 22.01.2024 to 24.01.2024. It was also learned that a bill of Rs 1,32,300 was raised for booking but the department has not received it yet.
Rule 9 of the General Financial Rules, 2017 envisages that it is the duty of the department concerned to ensure that receipts and dues are accurately and promptly assessed, collected and duly deposited in the Government / concerned accounts.
When pointed out, CRRID said that several telephone and email requests have been made by the Director of CRRID and the department to the concerned authorities of Animal Husbandry Department, Punjab to release funds to CRRID against room bookings.
Expenditure in excess of grant
As per Rule-1 (V) Financial Regulations of Service Rules 2010 applicable to CRRID, the Director has the authority to incur all necessary expenditure on projects as per the conditions and funds provided by the funding agencies and these powers may be further delegated to other staff. .
During the examination of the records, the audit team has shown that the department has spent more than Rs 1 lakh 96 thousand 48 on the grant received for the project.
After pointing out, CRRID said that the additional funds involved in the project were provided from the resources available to CRRID. Also, to claim the balance from the sponsoring agency, UC details and progress report should be sent. Once the balance is received, the additional amount is adjusted, they said.
About CRRID
CRRID, an autonomous research institute, was registered as a scientific and educational charitable society under the Indian Societies Registration Act, 1860 in the Union Territory of Chandigarh in July 1978.
It is one of the 27 research institutes in the country funded by ICSSR, New Delhi.
CRRID was awarded “National Status” in 1984 by the ICSSR, Ministry of Education, Government of India, in recognition of its contribution to the cause of social science research in a broad national perspective.
Since 1984, both the Government of India and the Government of Punjab have supported CRRID in its efforts by providing financial grants on a matching basis through the Indian Council of Social Science and Research (ICSSR), New Delhi, and the Department of Planning, Govt. Punjab, Chandigarh.
The Center is also able to mobilize resources through its quarterly magazine “Man and Development” through project consultancy services, publication sales, subscriptions and advertisements.
The office is located at Plot No. 2A, Sector 19A, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh.
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