Agartala, February 25 (TIWN): Un-authorized diversion of fund has again come to limelight. According to the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India for the years 2004-2005 and 2007 relating to Health and Family Welfare Department submitted by Public Accounts Committee in hundred twenty-second report, it was found that according to the audit based on a proposal (January 2003) of the Government of Tripura to establish “a separate Department of Endocrinology-Diabetes- Metabolic diseases” by expanding two more storeys of the existing Diabetes Research Centre at Govind Bhallav Pant(GBP) Hospital, Agartala the North Eastern Council (NEC) approved (March 2003) a project for 1.47 crore and released 1.33 crore during March 2003 to August 2006.

Scrutiny (November 2007 and June 2008) of records of the Medical Superintendent, GBP Hospital revealed that the entire amount of 1.33 crore was spent (March 2003 to March 2007) on procurement of machinery and equipment which was not as per the approved project and also was unrelated with the objective of the project (except one item worth 1.02 lakh).  The machinery/equipment procured was distributed to various departments and units of the GBP Hospital. Though no building was constructed, utilization certificate for the entire amount was furnished to the NEC (July 2007) stating that the funds had been utilized for the purpose for which they were sanctioned.

The Medical Superintendent, GBP Hospital stated (July 2008) that Diabetes Research Centre was functioning as a part of the Department of Medicine of the GBP Hospital. The reply is not tenable, as the Department did not obtain approval of the NEC for diverting the funds for purposes other than for which they were sanctioned and no building has been constructed.

Thus, funds amounting to 1.33 crore received for establishing the “Department of Endocrinology- Diabetes- Metabolic Diseases” by upgrading the existing Diabetes Research Centre at GBP Hospital was fully utilized for unauthorized purposes resulting in the Department not being established and the building not being constructed. The matter was reported to the Government in August 2008, reply had not been received (September 2008)

But according to the written note of Health Department it is stated that” Fund allotted under NEC Plan during the year 2003 to 2006 for 1.33 crore has been utilized as per decision of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Tripura for purchase of equipment. The decision of the Department is as in view of architectural deficiency and construction flaw in the Diabetic Research Centre building, it was decided separately in consultation with Planning Department that no further investment will be made in civil construction for the same project. The fund available may be utilized for purchase of equipment for this centre as well as G.B. Hospital. Therefore it is requested to arrange for settlement of the Audit Para.”