Birsa varsity under CAG scanner for irregularities

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) in its recent report on the performance of the state-run Birsa Agricultural University (BAU) said, "A performance audit on working of the Birsa Agricultural University disclosed that the objectives to impart education in agriculture and its allied branches to make advances in learning; to conduct research in agriculture and allied sciences, and to undertake extension programme of such sciences among rural people of the state of Jharkhand were not fulfilled to the mandated extent."

Further, the CAG's report said that there were several instances of deficient and defective accounting, financial irregularities, lack of administration and irregular execution of civil works.

The governing bodies (Senate, Board and Councils) failed to hold prescribed meetings to monitor the activities of BAU. Besides, huge shortage of professors and scientists in feeder cadres adversely affected the quality of education imparted and research activities taken up by BAU. It failed to enroll students up to its intake capacity. The shortfall ranged between 27 and 86 per cent during 2003-08.

The report said that out of 62 research projects conducted during 2003-08, 48 were incomplete for more than 5 to 30 years after spending Rs 22.53 crore. Achievements of nine projects, though completed, were not ascertainable in the absence of project reports.The state government did not sanction any research project and released Rs 18.45 crore without any review or assessment of the ongoing projects.

Though hybrid seeds of nine crops were developed, its breeder and foundation seeds were not produced in required quantities to benefit the farmers. Further, BAU did not develop any variety of seeds or new technology for dry-land agriculture, suitable for Jharkhand, even after 37 years of the project, the report said.

The Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) failed to achieve their target of trainings and field demonstrations. The shortfall was up to 94 per cent.

The report said that BAU had sent inflated utilisation certificates to the funding authorities without incurring expenditure.

The CAG report said, "Annual accounts did not reflect the true and fair picture of the finances as balance sheets were never prepared."

The report pointed out that in the absence of any system of internal control and maintenance of mandatory accounts records, budgetary and expenditure control of BAU was ineffective which led to several financial and administrative irregularities.