Mangalore University to approach state govt for probe into solar scam

MANGALURU: The Mangalore University Syndicate has decided to write to the department of higher education to conduct a probe into various anomalies regarding the rooftop solar system. The varsity spent a whopping Rs 2.1 crore on the project, which is now non-operational.
The syndicate meeting held recently had given a go ahead to write to the government, after a committee constituted to examine the process of procurement, functioning and documents related to rooftop solar system at the varsity, gave its report.
The project was approved and completed during the tenure of then vice-chancellor K Byrappa. However, none of the facilities for both solar water heating and solar power generation are operational as of now, says the report, whose copy is with TOI.
The report concludes that none of the solar lighting installations and solar water heating installations are in a working condition, except for a water heater in Cauvery guest house. Despite an annual maintenance contract till February 13, 2021, it is not being attended to. A total 170 water heating panels are short, than the numbers corresponding to the tender, and the third party audit.
The committee pointed out that a no project proposal was prepared by the technical committee and concerned department of the university. “There is prima facie evidence to show misappropriation of funds to the tune of Rs 2 crore,” the report stated.
“A detailed inquiry by a judicial officer is strongly recommended to bring out the role of the individuals who have been responsible for gross abuse and misuse of public power, and dereliction of duty, causing loss to the exchequer of the university, and to make them responsible to compensate,” the report stated.
Probe by retired judge
“Based on the committee report, after tabling it in the syndicate meeting, we had written to the governor, who asked us to seek help from the state government. The report was chaired in the last syndicate meeting again, and it was decided to write to the state government to take further action by appointing a retired judge. Meanwhile, the university has also decided to refunction the solar facility by investing an additional Rs 15 lakh,” said P S Yadapadithaya, vice-chancellor.