UGC funding pattern criticised by Calcutta university VC

Updated on: Friday, March 23, 2012

VC of Calcutta University Suranjan Das criticised UGC for splurging money on central universities and accused it of being biased against state-run varsities.

Mr. Das said during the universitys convocation ceremony, “Universitys finance reflects the national scenario where the UGCs financial commitment for state universities remains grossly inadequate. It is a matter of deep regret that about 65 per cent of the UGC fund is spent for central universities.”

“If India has to move forward this centrist bias in the funding pattern of the UGC needs to be urgently rectified,” he said pointing out that his universitys finances remain primarily dependent on the state governments assistance.

In 2010-11, the University of Calcutta received Rs 230.41 crore from the West Bengal government as maintenance grant while the UGC sanctioned a development grant of Rs 29.12 crore.

Quoting UGCs latest available annual report of 2009-10, Das said while the 23 old central universities received a sum of Rs 776.42 crore, 107 eligible state universities were allotted only Rs 172.16 crore from the UGC.

Mr. Das said, the central universities received a non-plan maintenance grant of Rs 2669.72 crore, whereas the state universities are not entitled to receive any UGC grant under this head.
 

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