Lok Sabha Question No. 1514 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2015-07-29
Subject: Nalanda University
Ministry: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Asked by: FEROZE VARUN GANDHI

**GOVERNMENT OF INDIA**

**MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS**

**LOK SABHA**

**UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.1514**

**TO BE ANSWERED ON 29.07.2015**

**NALANDA UNIVERSITY**

**1514. 	SHRI FEROZE VARUN GANDHI:**

**Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:**

**(a) 	the details of financial support extended to Nalanda University, including the quantum of funds allocated and the terms and conditions associated with such funds;**

**(b) 	the comparison of contributions by the Indian Government with the voluntary contributions of other participating countries;**

**(c) 	whether the Government has received reports of financial mismanagement by the authorities of the Nalanda University; and**

**(d) 	the details of the steps being taken/planned by the Government to correct the mismanagement?**

#### ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]

**(a) 	Nalanda University has been established as a non-profit public-private partnership international institution of academic excellence. India, as the host country, has made significant contributions. The Govt. of Bihar has given 455 acres of land to the University while the Central Government has made an allocation of Rs 2,727.10 crores towards capital and recurring expenditure during the establishment phase of Nalanda University up to 2021-22. The allocation is made from MEA’s Plan Budget. The utilization of these funds are subject to University’s Financial Regulations and relevant GoI guidelines. Further, the accounts of Nalanda University are also subject to audit by the office of Comptroller and Auditor General of India.**

**(b) 	While India has made an allocation of Rs 2,727.10 crores till 2021-22, the details of voluntary contributions received/proposed from other countries are as under:**

| **From Whom**             | **Amount**                                       |
|---------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|
| **Govt. of China**        | **US $ 1 Million**                               |
| **Govt. of Thailand**     | **US $ 100,000**                                 |
| **Govt. of Lao (PDR)**    | **US $ 50,000**                                  |
| **Govt.of Australia**     | **AU $ 1 Million**                               |
| **Citizens of Singapore** | **S $ 5 - 10 Million(proposed)**                 |
| **Govt. of Japan**        | **2 ODA loans of**  **Yen 21,426 Million each.** |

**(c) 	The Government has not received any reports of financial mismanagement by the authorities of Nalanda University. The audit has, however, pointed out irregularities in incurring expenditure by Nalanda University prior to the approval of Statutes and Financial Regulations.**

**(d) 	The First Statutes of the University and its Financial Regulations have been notified in March 2012 and December 2013 respectively and laid in Parliament. Some Statutes with financial implications are being processed in consultation with other concerned authorities. University’s replies to audit observations are under CAG’s consideration.**

*********