The University of Kerala on Wednesday constituted a three-member subcommittee to probe the alleged misappropriation of Rs.37.63 lakh from the university’s office automation project fund during 2010-11.
The university Syndicate decided to place under suspension section officer N. Ashokan who was the nodal officer for the project.
The office automation scheme had received a University Grants Commission assistance of Rs.86 lakh, besides Rs.50 lakh from the State government.
According to a report prepared by University Finance Officer P.K. Raju, a sum of Rs.37,63,700 was withdrawn from the PD account of the University Registrar using cash cheques in 2010 and 2011.
The present director of the State Council of Educational Research and Training K.A. Hashim was the Registrar till March 14, 2011, and was the signatory for the account 67004403758 with the State Bank of Travancore.
The report points out that none of these withdrawals were supported by any documentary details, including beneficiary details, counter-foils or university sanctions.
There were 10 such bank withdrawals between October 4, 2010, and February 24, 2011.
