By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, July 20, 2019: Congress members on Saturday created ruckus in the House demanding submission of audit reports of the universities in the Assembly, alleging corruption in Higher Education. Congress legislature party leader, Narasingha Mishra stated as the audit report of the universities has not been presented in the House for past 20 years, such omission reeks of foul play.

Mishra further stated the decision of not presenting audit reports is a violation of the Odisha University Act, 1989. Seeking Speaker’s ruling, Congress MLAs vehemently demanded that the House must hold a discussion on the issue.

Following ruckus, Speaker Surjya Narayan Patro initially adjourned the proceedings till 12.30 PM and then till 3 PM. To bring normalcy back, the Speaker then called an all-party meeting where it was decided that Higher Education Minister Arun Sahoo will present a statement in the Assembly.

“These institutions must carry out audit every year and the government must present the report in the Assembly. However, the audit report has not been tabled in the House for the past 20 years, since Naveen Patnaik took charge. This is a sensitive and important issue for the State. I also said that the Speaker could adjourn the House and hold discussion among leaders of all political parties on what steps can be taken,” Mishra said.

Expressing similar views, Leader of Opposition, Pradipta Naik said the state government has not put any restrictions on admissions and fees of the universities. “As the universities are set up with money from state exchequer, the State government must be informed about the fee collection and other related details. The State government should present those reports in the House.”

Responding to these concerns, government chief whip Pramila Mallick said the Higher Education minister will furnish a reply in the House on Monday. “The department’s Secretary and Director will be called to the House to know about the status of audit report and why the same has not been submitted before the House,” she added.