UGC says re-examine but DU clears 17 projects

In an email sent to the university on January 25, the UGC had said, “For new buildings, UGC has not allocated any funds during 2017-18. Most of the abstract cost formats for the projects are not properly prepared and need re-examination by the university.” The MHRD also said expenditure on the projects is subject to availability and allocation of funds and that no project should be taken up without proper financial allocation.

The building proposals include construction of law centre at Sector 22 Dwarka (Rs 60.36 crore); academic building at Law Faculty complex (Rs 82.35 crore); girls’ hostel at Dhaka complex (Rs 23.70 crore) and renovation work of central library, department of social work.

EC members also objected to the renovation of a kitchen at the Vice Regal Lodge at a cost of Rs 3 crore. “We asked the V-C why there was there a need to renovate a kitchen… with electrical fittings and ACs worth Rs 60 lakh. We had demanded that the space be used as a laboratory,” Rajesh Jha, an EC member, said.

Teachers also raised doubts on how the university would complete projects, as it can no longer ask for additional funds from either the UGC or MHRD. The UGC has already conveyed that there can be no re-appropriation of funds… As a result, the Rs 100 crore excellence grant given under the 11th plan has lapsed…,” Jha said.