Panjab University to spend 25% less on devpt works

CHANDIGARH: Due to delay in receipt of grants from the Centre, Panjab University will announce an expenditure cut of more than 25% on development works at departments on campus. Sources said authorities are holding a meeting to draft a plan to cut recurring costs of departments by 10% to 15%. Non-recurring costs used once in three to five years have been held for the time being.
Although authorities are yet to share the plan with departments, the budget cuts are expected from next month. Board of finance members is discussing the situation with authorities. They have proposed to cut down expenditure on maintenance works, including new constructions, major infrastructure revamping and campus beautification.
The authorities also received a proposal to cut development grant, so that they don’t have to resort to pay cuts. Every year, the university seeks demands from each department to strengthen infrastructure.
Officials said as recurring cost comprises expenditure which is required for routine operations, the authorities plan to cut it by not more than 10% to 15% while the major cut will be imposed on the non-recurring cost of departments.
Had got Rs 38cr as 1st quarter grant
In the first financial quarter, PU received a grant of two months instead of three from the Centre without 6% enhancement by UGC. Punjab is yet to give its share. A sum of Rs 38 crore was received as the first-quarter grant. The estimated budget for the 2020-21 financial year is Rs 586.28 crore.
Syndicate meet postponed
Panjab University on Wednesday postponed its syndicate meeting to be held on Thursday. A source said an informal meeting was held with at the vice-chancellor’s camp office and it was decided that consent will be taken from all the members of the syndicate about continuing the additional charge of dean student welfare to S K Tomar till the syndicate meeting is held. PU registrar said they will send circulars to all the members, seeking their consent on the issue.