Probe against Rajput to take 3 months: Arjun

The probe ordered by the HRD Ministry into charges of ‘‘irregularities and lapses’’ against former NCERT director J.S. Rajput will be completed in three months, HRD Minister Arjun Singh said on Tuesday.

‘‘As a countryman, I welcome it. We should be proud that an Indian has been awarded…But the unfortunate aspect is that when the award was announced, certain enquiries had to be initiated against Rajput’s functioning. While the probe is on, it (award) may be a little incongruous… UNESCO has accepted our view,’’ he said.

The minister said the probe — being conducted by a retired secretary — is expected to be completed within three months. The presentation was to take place on September 10. — (PTI)