HC directs HRD Ministry

New Delhi, Apr 14: The Delhi High Court has directed the Secretary, HRD Ministry and Chairman, UGC to probe into the charges of corruption and nepotism against the Director, Consortium for Educational Communication(CEC) G D Sharma by an employee and file a report by April 19.

Justice S Ravinder Bhat said, ''The petitioner in these proceedings is aggreived what is alleged to be deliberate action to undermine her authority.'' CEC Administrative officer Josie Mathew in a petition alleged that Mr G D Sharma had been harassing her ever since she joined the organisation as she pointed out some financial irregularities and nepotism in the organisation.

Dr Sharma in an official order on March 1, 2006 divested her of all administrative and financial functions and assigned them to the Joint Director (HW) with malafide intention, said the petition filed by Counsel Jog Singh appearing for the petitioner.

''After considering the materials on record, I am of the opinion at this stage that the UGC Chairman and the Secretary HRD department should depute some senior and responsible officials to look into the representation and submit such report as is deemed expedient having regard to the facts of the case. The report shall be made available to the court at least one week before the next date of hearing,'' said the order.

Ms Mathew in her petition alleged that Dr Sharma had appointed Bhavna Sharma as a consultant, niece of UGC Under Secretary A N Sharma and relatives of several other employees with the CEC allegedly violating the prescribed rules and regulations.

Mr Nemi Chand, an 80-year-old man had been appointed as a consultant, she alleged.

The petition charged that Dr Sharma had claimed Rs 82,900 for leave travel concession(LTC) for his family and his maid in December 2004 for travelling by Air Sahara.

According to the government circular, no public servant could travel in private airlines on LTC.

He allegedly issued an order for supply of equipment (video server and archival server) worth Rs 1.5 crore to M/S Shaf Broadcast Private Ltd, a blacklisted company, the petition said.

UNI