PU financial woes may end soon

The team visited the university to take stock of its financial position.

University Grants Commission (UGC) Secretary Prof R K Chauhan told Newsline: “PU can expect a relief from the financial crisis it is facing. We have been sent to get an idea of its financial position.

“There can be a special grant,but final decision will be taken by the Government of India after going through our report.”

The team was briefed by Vice-Chancellor Prof R C Sobti.

The team comprised six members — Prof Chauhan; Prof A M Pathan from Karnataka Central University; Dr J Alexander,former chief secretary of the Government of Karnataka; Prof N K Chadha of Delhi University,Dr Manju Singh,Joint Secretary,UGC; and N U Sidiqui of Jamia Millia Islamia.

In a presentation,Prof Sobti showed the condition of buildings and how students suffered because of lack of basic infrastructure. A slide was also shown to the team.

During the presentation,the team was shown the departments and areas in the varsity,which needed development.

Also,PUTA president Prof Manjit Singh spoke about the central university status for PU.

He said in view of inadequate teachers,the Government of India should increase their retirement age.

The team was taken around the campus to the UIET block and was shown the UIAMS department.

The visit comes after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to PU in November. The PM had reportedly told the authorities that the university’s financial crunch will be taken care of.

Now,Prof Sobti will make another presentation in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Arrears due on Centre amount to Rs 168 crore
Once a decision is taken in the matter,PU can expect payment of its arrears,which amount to Rs 168 crore.

Recently,the Centre also withdrew the cap of Rs 32 crore,the annual grant given to the university. From the next session,the Centre will also pay its entire share (60 per cent) of PU budget — 40 per cent is borne by the Punjab government. The Rs 32 crore cap was removed after the PM’s visit in November.