MU asked to return `2-cr building grant

University of Mumbai has been hit by another controversy. Maharashtra Government has directed it to refund Rs 2 crores, Given to the University for construction of "Dr Rammanohar Tripathi Hindi Bhasha Bhavan" in University's Kalina Campus. Construction of the Building is yet to begin after Stone laying ceremony held almost 3 years ago. It's revels in a query filed by RTI Activist Anil Galgali.

RTI activist Anil Galgali had asked various information regarding construction of Hindi Bhasha Bhavan at Kalina Campus. Finance & Accounts department has confirmed to RTI activist Anil Galgali that apart from petty expenses, Almost the entire grant remains unutilised with the University. Only Rs 2,50,280/- have been spent to date. On 13th February 2017, Collector of Mumbai Suburbs has issued a notice to the University pointing out the financial irregularities in utilisation of the fund granted for construction of the Building. Notice Warns the University, Why should not the Government grant be treated as lapsed, It it has not been utilised before 31 March 2016. It also points out to serious irregularities, Where University has not even bothered to file 'utility certificates' for the sum it has already spent.

Astonishingly, The previous Vice Chancellor of the University Dr Rajan Welukar did not even bother to put forward a formal proposal regarding construction of the building before Managing Council of the University. The present VC Dr Sanjay Deshmukh has moved a proposal before the council on 18th November 2016. Further action in this matter will be outlined in forthcoming report of proceedings of the said meeting, University Engineer informed Galgali.

Anil Galgali has written to the Governor of Maharashtra, Who is also the Chancellor of the University, Demanding an enquiry into unutilised fund, Especially pertaining to the conduct of then VC Dr Welukar. Galgali has request that Governor to direct the University to complete the construction of the building.