By Our Reporter
Shillong: After a hot pursuit by the CBI, since 2009, St Peter’s College now wants to repay the Rs 2.67 crore sanctioned by the North Eastern Council (NEC) in 2005. The orginal project cost for the scheme, titled, ‘Research Based “Holistic Clusters Approach at grassroots level for sustainable Development in NER was pegged at Rs 4. 98 crore. Dr Kamal Taori was then the Secretary NEC.
The scheme was meant to develop a model to facilitate a cluster approach, enhance information and communication technology and promote convergence with different institutions for grass roots empowerment. It was a regional project aimed at benefiting three states of Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.
Being a regional project, the scheme was accorded priority while processing the proposal. St Peters College was advised to approach the Education Department of the Government of Meghalaya for their appraisal and recommendation of the project.
The scheme, to be implemented within a 3-year period received Rs 2.67 crore in 2005 in three instalments after assessing the physical progress and submission of relevant utilization certificates (UCs).
But it became suspect when the College included cost of land as part of the project as this was against the norms stipulated by NEC.
Interestingly it was the sector head of Science & Technology, UK Mishra who had suggested to St Peter’s College to include the cost of land as part of the project. When the Finance and Accounts Dept, NEC shot down the proposal for land acquisition, the CBI came into the scene.
But surprisingly only three officials of the NEC namely U N Majhi retired (ex NEC Financial Adviser NEC), R P Kharpuri retired (ex Director E&M) NEC , A D Kharshiing Extension Officer NEC, and Peter Thorose, Principal St Peter’s College Shillong and Dancy Syiem,Vice Principal St Peter’s College Shillong were charge-sheeted by CBI . It was presumed that the three NEC officials conspired to benefit the College through the scheme.
Now in a significant turn of events the Principal, St Peter’s College, Peter Thorose informed that under the project expensive laboratory assets, Advance Molecular Bio(DNA), Remote sensing Satellite Imagery and digital animation labs etc have been established which are underutilized for the benefits of students and public due to ongoing investigation.
Finding that the project was suffering unduly from the investigations the St Peter’s College Managing Committee has asked NEC to discontinue further funding and also stated that the College would refund the grant of Rs.2.67 crore to NEC without 10 % penalty interest since the college will make the refund through loans and borrowings.
The letter from the College says that “In an atmosphere highly vitiated by false accusations which have adversely affected the smooth functioning of the institution-a refund of the NEC money appears most appropriate and best alternative. The primary aim of the College is the academic welfare and progress of the students. Anything detrimental to the sanctity of the institution and disrupting the safe conduct of the academic programmes is not worth fighting for and continuing.”
The College authorities also said that since sizable investments have been made to over 30 schools for village IT empowerment and establishment of over 400 bird sanctuaries. St Peter’s College would be the sole custodian of assets created within its premises and manage the same in the public interest for optimum utilization of resources.
The refund is however subject to a signing of MOU between St Peter’s College and NEC stating that the College wants to proceed with the project and therefore all pending cases against the College be dropped.
The implication here is that the money amounting to Rs.2.67 crores granted by NEC was all along in the custody of Peter Thorose and that the allegations of conspiracy against the NEC officials is null and void. How this case turns out will be interesting to watch.