A decade-long research project backed by the Madhya Pradesh government, aimed at developing alternative treatments using cow-based preparations, is now under investigation, the Indian Express reported. The probe into the project started over allegations of questionable spending, missing assets and unclear outcomes, according to officials familiar with the inquiry.
The project remained largely under the radar until a formal complaint was submitted to district authorities which led to the Divisional Commissioner to order a detailed inquiry. An investigation team led by an Additional Collector was subsequently constituted to review the project’s financial management, procurement practices and scientific outcomes.
What is ‘Panchagavya’ project?
The project was launched in 2011 at Jabalpur’s Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University. It focused on Panchagavya — a mixture of cow dung, cow urine and dairy products — as a potential therapy for serious illnesses, including cancer.
While the university initially proposed funding of about Rs 8 crore, the Madhya Pradesh government sanctioned Rs 3.5 crore for the initiative.
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Spending patterns questioned
According to the IE report, sources familiar with the inquiry report said investigators raised serious questions over spending patterns. The report alleged that between 2011 and 2018, about Rs 1.92 crore was spent on basic materials such as cow dung, cow urine, storage containers, raw materials and machinery. According to the probe, these items should have cost between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 20 lakh at prevailing market rates.
The complete report has now been submitted to the district Collector. The investigation also questioned extensive travel undertaken during the project period.
Records showed that university officials made 23 to 24 air trips to different cities for research-related work. The inquiry noted that the necessity and relevance of such travel to the approved research goals remained unclear.
Vehicle worth Rs 7.5 lakh, furniture worth Rs 15 lakh flagged
Other expenses flagged in the inquiry include the purchase of a vehicle worth around Rs 7.5 lakh, which investigators said was not part of the sanctioned estimate. The project also recorded spending of more than Rs 7.5 lakh on fuel and vehicle maintenance, about Rs 3.5 lakh on labour payments and nearly Rs 15 lakh on furniture and electronic equipment.
Several of these expenditures were described in the report as non-essential to the stated objectives of the project.
Additional Collector Raghuvar Maravi, who headed the inquiry, said the investigation was ordered after discrepancies surfaced in the project’s records.
Maravi also pointed to gaps in implementation of the project. While the project proposal mentioned training for farmers, there was little documentation to show what training had actually been conducted. “Research was to be carried out on Panchagavya for serious diseases like cancer, but there are gaps in records relating to outcomes,” he said.
The inquiry further noted that vehicles reportedly purchased under the project could not be physically traced. Moreover, the details of air travel were missing from the original financial estimates submitted for approval, IE report stated.
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‘No misappropriation of funds’: University responds
Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University authorities have rejected allegations of wrongdoing. Registrar SS Tomar said the project was implemented strictly in line with government rules and financial procedures. “All purchases were made through open tenders and as per prescribed norms. There has been no misappropriation of funds,” Tomar told Indian Express.
He added that the project had been audited regularly and that utilisation certificates were submitted to the authorities. “The investigation committee was given all documents it asked for. Nothing was concealed,” he said. Tomar maintained that the project continues to provide training to farmers and youth.
The inquiry report will now be forwarded by the Collector to the Divisional Commissioner, who will review the findings and decide whether further administrative or legal action is required. |
