ISLAMABAD, March 4: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has still not made any significant progress in devising a special course for transaction of official business in Urdu despite having received Rs5.73 million for the purpose.

According to establishment division's audit report for the year 2003-04, in pursuance of the Presidential Order No-228 of 1984 regarding transaction of official business in Urdu in government offices and courts, the cabinet division had requested the AIOU to devise a special course.

An amount of Rs440,755 was provided to the AIOU in 1983-84 for devising units, preparation and reviewing of drafts, printing etc. The audit report noted that Rs5,730,107 was paid to the AIOU for the purpose from 1983-84 to 2001-02.

According to the data collected from the open university, 36 official Urdu courses were arranged during the period, and 9,433 officers/officials were nominated for training.

Out of the total number, only 4,283 officials completed their training, while 5,150 did not attend the course, the report said. It also noted that despite spending Rs5.73 million and training 4,283 officials, no s had been made regarding transaction of official business in Urdu.