KU seeks Govt. aid

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, AUG 20. The University of Kerala has urged the State Government to provide a sum of Rs. 28 crores to help it tide over the present financial crisis.

The Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B. Ekbal, has also asked for an increase of Rs. 2 crores in the monthly grant being provided by the Government, as per the recommendation of a Legislature sub- committee.

In a letter addressed to the State Minister for Finance, he said that the university was in dire straits, finding it difficult even to effect payment of the retirement benefits of its employees. A sum of Rs. 8.7 crores was required additionally, subsequent to the implementation of the UGC pay package. Towards PF contribution alone, another Rs. 10 crores would be needed.

Despite the fact that the Government grant was the major source of income for the university, the Grant Fixation Committee has been indifferent to its demands. The committee has not had a realistic approach towards the financial problems of the university, the Vice-Chancellor alleged.

It was for the Government to meet the expenses for centralised valuation. However, this condition has not been met for the past many years, Dr. Ekbal maintained.

The university has been accused of diverting funds from one specific head to another. This has been necessitated by the financial exigencies prevailing in the university, he said.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : A new dimension to distance learning
Next     : Guru's teachings more relevant now: Deve Gowda