Varsities to suggest austerity measures

NEWDELHI: UGC has written to all 40 central universities asking them to suggest austerity measures to help minimise expenses during 2020-21 academic year, which has been severely battered by Covid. The regulator said UGC chief DP Singh has set up a committee to review the realistic requirement of funds for central universities for the academic year. According to the latter, seen by HT, the UGC panel would look into several aspects including fixing norms for hiring of outsourced staff and security personnel keeping in view the number of students, facilities, hostels, residential quarters etc.

The panel will also review the appropriateness of release and utilization of funds provided by the UGC. It will suggest the right priorities for the utilization of funds and suggest measures to bring fiscal transparency, discipline and prudence of the expenditure.