site.btaIrregularities Detected in Three Education Projects

Irregularities Detected in Three Education Projects

Sofia, July 5 (BTA) - An internal audit in the Education and Science Ministry has revealed irregularities in three projects under a procedure named "Support for the Preschool Education and Training of Disadvantaged Children," Education and Science Minister Meglena Kuneva told a news briefing on Tuesday.

The irregularities concern restrictions on double funding and connected persons. The three projects, totalling 1.5 million leva, were proposed by three entities which were established as soon as the application rules were announced. The entities were registered at the same address and their management boards comprised the same persons. No contracts will be signed with these entities, and the audit report has been referred to the prosecution authorities, Kuneva said.

She added that a second check is underway on school education projects, following an alert against the same entities. A disciplinary procedure will be launched to review the actions of the Education and Science Ministry officials involved.

Kuneva said she will be in control of Operational Programme "Science and Education for Smart Growth" until the checks are completed. Every project will be published on the ministry's website, she said.