A performance audit of the Jawaharlal Nehru University by the Comptroller and Auditor-General (CAG) has found that funds meant for the implementation of quota for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) were diverted and spent on purchasing assets, national and international travel, field work and attending seminars/conferences.
The CAG has made 26 preliminary observations after test-check of eight schools, one special centre of 10 schools and three special centres in the university.
The audit was to verify among other things whether the university had achieved its goals during 2005-06 to 2009-10, and whether it had improved its infrastructure and basic facilities as per the objectives of grants released under the 10th and 11th Five-Year Plans.
Contrary to its all-India character and status as a Central University, the audit has revealed that the institute is “consistently popular” in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from where more than 10,000 applications were received during the five-year period.
Fewer than 1,000 applications were received from as many as 20 States.
The university has failed to attract enough foreign students, as nearly 50 to 61 per cent of the sanctioned seats remained vacant against the overall vacancy in the sanctioned intake ranging from 11 to 22 per cent during the period. Another cause for alarm is the heavy dropout rate — which was between 35 and 48 per cent in B.A (Honours) and between 18 to 22 per cent in M.A, M.Sc. and MCA courses. The institution has failed to analyse the reasons, says the CAG report.
The report has indicted the university for relaxing the eligibility criteria in appointing Deputy Registrar and administrative employees and irregular promotion of certain employees.
The watchdog has also pointed to lack of action to fill teacher posts despite a faculty shortage of 33 per cent.
The report is expected to be submitted soon to the Human Resource Development Ministry. If the Ministry does not reply satisfactorily, the preliminary audit findings will be finalised by the CAG and submitted to Parliament for consideration by the Public Accounts Committee headed by Murli Manohar Joshi.
