Avinash Azad
Early Times Report
Jammu, Dec 26: In yet another setback owing to lackadaisical attitude of authorities of University of Jammu, Rs 75 crore allocated for off campuses got lapsed, despite two extensions granted by UGC.
However, disillusioned over poor performance of varsity's administration, the chief minister had also ordered an enquiry.
Sources informed Early Times that University Grant Commission (UGC) had been funding JU for creation and up-gradation of off sites campuses under Prime Minister's reconstruction plan. "The funds were to be utilized by March 2013, but inefficient JU administration could not spend the money", sources said, adding that the funding agency granted two extensions to JU to utilize the funds.
"First extension was given up-to March 2014, but the funds remained un-utilized at that point of time.
However, another deadline was also given to JU and funds were to be spent by March 2015. Unfortunately, despite of extension of two years, Rs 75 crore remained un-utilised", they added. They said that under same scheme funds were given to Kashmir University, the varsity's administration respecting the mandate constructed its off-site campuses and allied infrastructure within given time frame.
Established a decade ago, five out of seven offsite campuses were running from temporary accommodations, though, the UGC had released funds to tune of Rs 117 cr in 2010, to create infrastructure, but owing to mismanagement of administration, the funds have been blocked.
"Kathua, Udhampur, Ramnagar, Reasi Poonch, Bhaderwah and Kishtwar campuses were established in 2006, except two Bhaderwah and Udhampur, rest all campuses are running in Government Degree Colleges and ITIs", sources said, adding that six year establishment of these campuses the UGC released funds for infrastructure.
They said that disillusioned over, disrespect of mandate to create and upgrade infrastructure of the campuses by JU, Chief Minister Mufti Mohd Sayeed had ordered an enquiry to know the reasons behind lapse of funds.
"The Chief Minister, in the month of September had ordered an enquiry headed by Chief Secretary to find fact, why funds remained un-utilised, after two extensions granted by UGC", they added. |
