Panel Raises Questions Over Manner in Which Funds Were Given to Teesta NGO

New Delhi: The Human Resource Ministry (HRD) committee probing alleged misappropriation of 'Sarva Siksha Abhiyan' funds by an NGO run by activist Teesta Setalvad is learnt to have raised questions over the manner in which the amount was allocated by the previous UPA government.

According to officials, the committee comprising Supreme Court lawyer Abhijit Bhattacharjee, Gujarat Central University Vice Chancellor S A Bari and a Ministry official Gaya Prasad was formed to look into allegations against the NGO Sabrang Trust, based on a complaint.

"The committee has raised questions over the manner in which the funds were provided to the NGO," a source said.

It is learnt that the NCERT, which was the appraiser of the particular project, had raised some objections yet the Ministry sanctioned Rs 3 crore for the project.

Sources said that while the committee has not found any misappropriation of the funds, it has blamed the ministry for the manner in which the amount was sanctioned in the previous dispensation.

When contacted, a senior ministry official confirmed that the committee had submitted a report but refused to comment on the findings.