Mangalore University faces heat over alleged misuse of Rs 7 crore RUSA funds
Mangaluru: Mangalore University has landed in controversy over alleged misuse of Rs 7 crore sanctioned under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA-1) for constructing boys' and girls' hostels.
An expert committee from the Karnataka State Higher Education Council, tasked with verifying the fund utilisation, found no hostel buildings on campus. When questioned, university officials reportedly attempted to mislead the committee by claiming the funds were used for an “international hostel.” However, the utilisation certificate submitted to the Higher Education Department claimed the construction of two separate hostels.
The issue was raised at a State Project Director’s meeting, following which a show-cause notice was issued. Department sources told Deccan Herald that the explanation submitted by the university was unsatisfactory. A senior official confirmed that the council had recommended recovery of misused funds and imposition of penalties.
RUSA funds, 60% of which are contributed by the Centre and 40% by the state, are meant to be used strictly for the specified purpose. In this case, Rs 3.5 crore each was allocated for the boys' and girls' hostels.
Vice Chancellor P L Dharma said an internal inquiry was ordered after a recent syndicate meeting. “A notice has been issued to the then finance officer. The inquiry will conclude in 15 days, and the report will be submitted to the government,” he said.
Higher Education Minister Dr M C Sudhakar stated that the department is awaiting the university’s internal inquiry report before initiating further action.
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Five killed, 20 injured as pvt bus overturns in Chhattisgarh
Raipur (PTI): Five people were killed and 20 sustained injuries after a private bus they were travelling in overturned in Chhattisgarh's Jashpur district on Friday, police said.
The bus from Kurdeg in neighbouring Jharkhand was heading towards Kunkuri town in Chhattisgarh, Jashpur's Senior Superintendent of Police, Lal Umed Singh, said.
The driver lost control of the wheel near Godaamba village under Tapkara police station area, causing the vehicle to overturn, he said.
Five passengers have died, while about 20 others sustained injuries, the official added.
Senior police officials and rescue teams rushed to the spot, and the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital, he said.
An investigation is underway, and further details are awaited, the official said.
