The Kannur University authorities have dismissed concerns about possible lapse of funds allocated for developmental activities, saying that the government has extended time to utilise the grant to six more months.
There were concerns that the under-utilisation of funds for development activities would lead to lapse of a lion’s share of the grant from the State government and the University Grants Commission (UGC). The State government granted Rs.20 crore and the UGC, Rs.7 crore for development works during the current fiscal.
The university could so far utilise Rs.5.4 crore. Now only one month is left for spending the remaining amount.
ADVERTISEMENT
The university authorities, however, said that there was no scope for the concerns about lapse of funds as the government had allotted six more months for the full utilisation of the funds.
University Registrar Balachandran Keezhoth told The Hindu that the university had sought time for funds utilisation at the meetings convened by the Chief Secretary and the Higher Education Secretary. The request had been granted, he said.
Dr. Keezhoth said that the delay in utilising the funds was the fallout of the Syndicate’s decision to entrust the construction work to government agencies to ensure transparency. Over the last two or three years, private companies were given the construction contracts, he said. As per guidelines, only 20 per cent of the work estimate could be deposited with the government-controlled agencies, he added.
ADVERTISEMENT
A substantial sum would be spent in March as the work of the synthetic track on the Mangattuparamba campus would begin soon. The university had already completed the formalities of securing land from Kerala Clays and Ceramics Ltd. for developing the synthetic track, the Registrar said.
State granted Rs. 20 crore, UGC Rs.7 crore
University could utilise only Rs.5.4 crore