Lucknow,

07 Jan (HS): Serious allegations of large-scale irregularities and misuse of

public funds have emerged in the procurement of 15 GNSS instruments and weather

sensors by the National Centre for Seismology (NCS), an attached office of the

Ministry of Earth Sciences. Based on the inputs given by ex- officials of NCS

on the telephone on the conditions of anonymity, the allegations broadly fall

under the following categories:

1.

Financial Irregularities: A previously approved tender amounting to Rs. 1.329

crore was cancelled, and a fresh purchase order worth Rs. 7.45 crore was issued

for the same or similar equipment. The order was allegedly placed at nearly

four times the global market price.

While

the GeM portal-based financial bid was ₹6.63 crore, a purchase order (exceeding

Rs. 7.45 crore) was issued, resulting in heavy losses to the public exchequer

and violating procurement norms. This vehement act on the part of NCS

constitutes a total contravention of the existing rule and a clear violation of

the GFR/GeM guidelines, which are strictly prohibited.

2.

Procedural Violations: The purchase order was issued offline, despite an

uploaded financial bid being available on the GeM (Government e-Marketplace)

portal, which is a clear violation of GeM procurement rules.

3.

“Make in India” Related Irregularities: A supplier was allegedly granted “Make

in India” status based on an incorrect, false, and unlawful certification,

despite the GNSS equipment being of foreign origin. Delivery timelines were

extended without proper approval, and penalties were waived, in violation of

GeM policies and financial sanction procedures.

4.

Internal Inquiry and Conflict of Interest: It is alleged that the committee

formed to provide a clean chit to Dr. Mishra, the then head of NCS, was chaired

by one of his junior officers, raising serious concerns of conflict of

interest.

Additional

allegations include: Misbehavior with a female scientist. Academic

irregularities during his tenure at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). The focal

point of the allegations remains the procurement of GNSS equipment and weather

sensors worth Rs. 7.45 crore.

5.

Software Procurement Irregularities: Highly expensive proprietary software

(approximately

Rs. 13 crore) was allegedly purchased indirectly through vendors, instead of

directly from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), resulting in inflated

costs. Despite the software being proprietary, it was procured multiple times

at inflated prices.

6.

Allegations Regarding Academic Qualifications: Questions have been raised

regarding the authenticity of Dr. O.P. Mishra’s academic degrees, including

claims of having obtained PhD and DSc degrees from a Japanese university, as

mentioned in his service records. It has been demanded that these claims be

verified through original documentary evidence. If any degree is found to be

false, his services should be terminated in accordance with the rules (ab

initio). Additionally, since Mishra has acquired a fake degree while on

official deputation to Japan on a Monbusho fellowship, the entire amount should

be recovered.

7.

Disproportionate Assets and Corruption Allegations: It is further alleged that

prolonged involvement in corrupt practices enabled Dr. Mishra to accumulate

disproportionate movable and immovable assets. Despite entering government

service as a Class-II officer, the scale of wealth accumulation raises serious

concerns. If investigative agencies examine land purchases in his native

village and properties acquired in the names of relatives, the true extent of

alleged corruption and misuse of black money may come to light.

Conclusion:

The matter raises grave concerns regarding: Financial propriety, Transparency

in public procurement, Abuse of authority, Academic integrity and Accountability

in scientific institutions. A thorough, independent investigation is demanded

by a retired judge/senior bureaucrat to protect public interest and uphold

institutional credibility.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi