Shanta Kumar refutes allegations of misutilisation of trust funds

Palampur, Jan 12 (UNI) Rubbishing allegations of misutilisation of funds by the Vivekananda Medical Research Trust (VMRT), former union minister Shanta Kumar today said the Himachal Pradesh government is free to take action on the audit reports submitted by the trust.

''If they feel that there is something wrong they can take action on the audit reports already submitted with the state government,'' he said at a press conference here.

Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh had on Wednesday sought account details of the trust, headed by Mr Kumar, which, he claimed, had been provided with government land worth Rs 35 crore for the setting up of hospital and a medical college in the district.

Mr Kumar said he had received contribution for the setting up the hospital from various quarters and even Congress leaders, including former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Digvijay Singh.

The trust had already submitted the audit reports of 2003-04, 2004-05 and the statement of accounts for the year ending March 31, 2006 to the state health minister and secretary, he said, adding if any irregularities are found, action could be taken against the trust for misutilisation of funds.

Criticising the Chief Minister for misleading the people on the functioning of the trust, he said Mr Singh should be aware that the state government could not seek account details of the trust under the Indian Trust Act.

''The state government was also aware of its functioning,'' he said.

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