UGC promises Rs 197-cr grant to PU

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 26

The meeting between officials of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and Panjab University (PU) Vice-Chancellor Arun Kumar Grover in New Delhi today concluded with a note that Panjab University would get a grant of Rs 197.73 crore like in 2016-17 from the UGC. No decision with regard to enhancement in grant was taken.

The UGC has sought a detailed report from the VC on revenue generation and cost-cutting measures taken by the university. A decision with regard to the annual increase in the grant would be determined only after the PU submits the report.

Confirming the same, Vice-Chancellor Prof Arun Kumar Grover said another meeting would be convened by the MHRD to determine the extent of increase in the yearly grant.

“Earlier, the UGC had written to us that we should reduce our deficit to zero in the next three years. However, during the meeting, they clarified that what they actually meant was that we should not let our deficit increase over the next three years,” said Prof Grover.

He added that another meeting would be convened by the MHRD, which had to be before May 4, as the MHRD had written to the UGC to file a reply in the High Court by May 4. The UGC, too, has to report the matter in the Supreme Court on May 1.

Notably, a reply will be sent by the UGC to the MHRD tomorrow about the today’s meeting. Among those present at the meeting were officiating chairperson of the UGC Dr Chauhan and Secretary GS Sandhu.

Will see who blinks first, says VC

• After the meeting with UGC officials, Panjab University Vice-Chancellor Arun Kumar Grover said, “We are waiting to see who blinks first – the UGC or the Punjab Government.”
• Notably, during a meeting on Tuesday, the Punjab Finance Minister had assured to release Rs 20-crore grant. He had said the quantum of increase in the grant would be decided after the meeting with the MHRD officials.