Mangalore University admits to misuse of Rs 7 crore RUSA funds: Report
Mangaluru: The Mangalore University has reportedly admitted to the misuse of funds amounting to 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 report in Deccan Herald on Wednesday, the university, in a reply to the Karnataka State Higher Education Council (KSHEC), stated that the utilisation certificate submitted earlier to the government was false.
As per the university’s institutional development plan, Rs 7 crore had been released for constructing separate hostels for boys and girls. However, during an inspection by an expert committee constituted by the KSHEC, it was found that no construction work had taken place. The funds were disbursed between 2013 and 2017 under RUSA-I. The University, in total, had received Rs 20 crore for the project.
Committee members were reportedly shocked to find no hostel buildings on the campus. When asked to produce relevant documents, university authorities allegedly attempted to mislead the team by claiming that the funds had been diverted for the construction of an international hostel instead.
Interestingly, the utilisation certificate submitted to the Higher Education Department, cited by DH, had claimed that both boys’ and girls’ hostels had been constructed.
The issue 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 also recommended recovery of the funds misused by the university and also to impose penalties.
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Several injured in blast at fireworks unit in Thrissur
Thrissur (PTI): Several workers suffered burn injuries following a blast at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Mundathikkode in this district on Tuesday, officials said.
The mishap occurred in a shed where crackers were being prepared on behalf of a temple devaswom ahead of the upcoming Thrissur Pooram. Those injured were rushed to nearby hospitals.
State Health Minister Veena George directed officials to ensure specialised treatment for the injured and to make necessary arrangements at the Government Medical College, Thrissur.
She also called for the deployment of additional ambulances, including those under the Kaniv 108 service, to the site for emergency response and patient transport.
Further details, including the exact number of workers injured and the cause of the blast, are awaited, officials added.
