As per the audit report conducted during July 2009 and August 2009, the University of Mumbai seems to be fairing poorly on many counts.
As per the audit report conducted during July 2009 and August 2009, the University of Mumbai seems to be fairing poorly on many counts.
The notings of the report, which audited the varsity’s documents from 2003 to 2006, were received through an RTI application by activist Vihar Durve. The report objected to the varsity’s management of land matters to investments, expenditures, completion of work and disbursal of scholarship amount.
While every educational institute craves for land in the city, as per the report, the university had no records of the actual land it possesses and the one encroached. As per records, the university was given a total of 242 acres, five guntas and eight annas.
Among prominent irregularities, the audit report points out non-utilisation of Rs10 crore, received by the university by the University Grants Commission, New Delhi for “University with Potential for Excellence”.
Second in line is construction of swimming pool, padding pool, deck and filtration plant at the Vidyanagari Campus, Kalina, which is not completed till date, despite a year’s extension ending in March 2009.
The work that cost Rs1.31 crore has not even seen the contractor working for the past eight months, since December 2008. This, despite Rs1.23 crore having been paid to him. Lack of necessary filtration plant was given as the excuse. However, even after the work was stopped, tender for filtration was not given.
Irregularities have constantly cropped up on usage of funds in the Mumbai University and their spending or lack of it. For receipt and payments for the accounting year 2005-06, the report objects it being in general funds and in negative at Rs3.26 crore and Rs1.33 crore.
Investments were understated to the tune of Rs9.74 crore in the 2006 balance sheet. Outstanding liabilities of the university stood at Rs11.56 crore.
Non-investment of surplus money was listed at Rs62.71 crore while unutilised scholarship and grants stood at Rs1.05 crore apart from the undisturbed scholarship lying at Rs27 lakh.
“The officers responsible for this mess need to be brought to book. Poor students are affected and they do not even utilise grants and scholarships properly. Money spent for their swimming pool is wasted. How come they did not know that a filtration plant is required? This audit report shows the callous approach towards students. They should act sternly against the culprits,” said Vihar Durve. When contacted, the vice-chancellor was not available for comments.
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