Baba Farid University of Health Sciences under Vigilance lens over VC house revamp

Already under scanner for alleged irregularities in the purchase of medical equipment, senior authorities at the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences now face fresh scrutiny for spending Rs 15 lakh on the revamp the Vice-Chancellor’s residence.

A Vigilance Bureau team on Tuesday questioned university officials regarding the expenditure, which reportedly ballooned from an approved Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh without following the due process. At the time of Dr Rajeev Sood’s joining as Vice-Chancellor in July 2023, a tender had been floated for the work. However, Viguilance sources said no fresh tender was issued despite the project cost tripling. Vigilance officials also flagged another suspicious expenditure of about Rs 70 lakh on a sewage treatment plant on the university campus. This was allegedly done without adopting the proper procedure.

The VB is further examining a “special herbal project” on the campus, which, sources alleged, benefits a close relative of a senior university official. The relative reportedly runs an herbal gardening business in Himachal Pradesh.

Meanwhile, the probe has widened to include Guru Gobind Singh Government Medical College and Hospital (GGSMCH), a constituent institution of the university. Records relating to purchases and construction over the past two years have been seized.