A social activist has urged Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot not to extend the deputation period of Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation Training and Research (SVNIRTAR), Olatpur Director Dr Shakti Prasad Das beyond January 27 in view of investigations being conducted by four Central agencies into 13 instances of corruption allegations committed in the institute during his time.
In his letter, social activist Kanhu Charan Mishra mentioned that the Director General of Audit had unearthed 13 grave irregularities on the account of SVNIRTAR for the period from 2016 to 2017. Moreover, the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) is investigating a case against the Director.s
Pointing out that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) raided the office of SVNIRTAR on December 21 and January 4 and seized important papers from the office, Mishra described the raids were a shame to the national institute. He informed that his complaints against Das lodged before the Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances were still under investigation.
The Central agencies are conducting investigations into alleged irregularities on purchase of equipments, recruitment of staff and administrative lapses.
“Giving him extension at this stage will tantamount to rewarding him for his skullduggery,” Mishra said.
Das joined as Director, SVNIRTAR on deputation basic for a period of three years on January 28, 2016.