CBI probe ordered into Andhra NGOs' proposals for grants

New Delhi, Apr 24 (UNI) Suspecting fraud in eight Andhra Pradesh NGOs' proposals for grants, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI)inquiry into the matter, the Ministry said here today.

The NGOs had sought grants-in-aid for setting up drug addiction-cum-rehabilitation centres under the scheme of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance(Drug) Abuse.

The proposals were received by the Ministry from the Education Department of the state Government, which was at variance with the earlier practice of receiving such proposals from the Health and Family Welfare Department.

The probe was ordered after it was suspected that the signature of the former Principal secretary, Higher Education Department Paul Bhuyan on the letter forwarding the proposals was forged.

''It is feared that there is possibility of forged proposals having been submitted in connivance with some state government official to various Ministries/departments of the Central Government for seeking grants,'' the Ministry said here.

The eight NGOs are Chaitanya Yuvjana Sangham and Rose Vimla Rural Organisation for Women from Hyderabad, Sharda Educational Society and Sivranajani Educational Society from Secunderabad, Jagruthi Educational and Community Development Society and Vennela Educationl and Rural Development Society from Khamman district, Sahaya Welfare Association from Nalgonda district and Dr B R Ambedkar Youth Association RR District.

The Central Government provides grants-in-aid to NGOs in two instalments under the scheme. Fresh proposals for the release of first instalment grants in aid requires the recommendation of the state government concerned.

UNI NAZ RP HS1427