Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Nov 6: Mangalore University has reportedly admitted to the misuse of Rs 7 crore released by the central government under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA-I) for the construction of boys’ and girls’ hostels.
According to a Deccan Herald report, the university, in a reply to the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), stated that the utilisation certificate earlier submitted to the government was false.
Under the university’s institutional development plan, Rs 7 crore had been sanctioned for separate hostels for male and female students. However, an inspection by an expert committee from KSHEC revealed that no construction work had been carried out, even though the funds were disbursed between 2013 and 2017. The university had received a total of Rs 20 crore for the project.
Committee members were reportedly shocked to find no hostel buildings on campus. When asked for relevant documents, university authorities allegedly tried to mislead the team, claiming the funds had been diverted to build an international hostel.
The utilisation certificate submitted to the higher education department, cited by Deccan Herald, falsely claimed that both boys’ and girls’ hostels had been constructed.
The matter was subsequently placed before the state project director (SPD) meeting, chaired by the principal secretary of the higher education department. Following deliberations, a show-cause notice was issued to the university authorities.
The Higher Education Council has also recommended recovery of the misused funds and the imposition of penalties on those responsible.