Central University of Jharkhand’s plan suffers as UGC’s flow of funds stops

Despite securing the second position among 37 central universities of the country in terms of utilization of funds, the Central University of Jharkhand is waiting for release of more funds by the University Grants Commission (UGC) to complete the construction of its permanent campus at Cheri-Manatu village. With an outstanding liability of around Rs 75 crore on the contractors’ completion of construction, finishing work is pending further delaying the process of shifting the university from its temporary campus in Brambe to the new location. No wondet then, the university has seen several incidents of student unrest due to inadequate facilities in the past few months. As per the 12th five year plan, a sum of Rs 298.50 crore was allocated to the university, of which UGC released Rs 100.74 crore by the end of 2013 corresponding to 33.74% of the net allocated funds. The amount released comprises Rs 20.74 crore under the recurring and salary component and Rs 80 crore under the grant of capital assets (non-recurring). By the end of March 31, 2013 CUJ had spent Rs 74.29 crore corresponding to 73.74% utility of the funds available. This catapulted it to the second position among the 37 central universities of the country, preceded by Central University of Punjab, which managed 80% fund utilization during the same period. Official sources in the CUJ said after March 2013, UGC released Rs 5 crore towards salary expenses whereas the construction work at the new campus was still under progress. The university has spent Rs 155 crore on the new campus till February 25, 2014 and an amount of Rs 75 crore is pending for payment to contractors. “If more funds under the grant of capital assets (non-recurring) is not released by UGC, the plan of shifting the university to a new campus will be inordinately delayed,” said an official of CUJ. The university that started with four courses and 100 students in its first batch in 2009 has grown to accommodate over 34 courses and 1500 students, including 1200 boarders. According to students, facilities available on the temporary campus have become inadequate in terms of mess facility and hostel accommodation. “By the end of May, when a fresh batch of 700 students arrive, it will be extremely difficult to accommodate them in this old campus,” said a student representative, who has been leading the agitation against university authorities. Founder vice chancellor D T Khating said, “Efforts to have a new campus was made keeping under consideration the increasing strength of students.” Earlier, he had expressed confidence that the work on the new campus would be completed by the time the fresh batch arrived. Asked if that target was expected to be completed, Khating said if UGC releases the funds on time, the construction work will be expedited. Source: Education News