Dibrugarh University, the 54-year-old educational institute of higher studies in Upper Assam, continues to hit headlines for wrong reasons.
This time, the University has made headlines after the Vigilance Wing of Dibrugarh University confirmed irregularities of UGC grants under CAS (SAP) in its report that came to light recently.
The Vigilance Wing conducted a probe after it received two complaints over alleged irregularities in the purchase of vitrified tiles in the Department of Assamese of the University under UGC CAS (SAP) grants.
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The complaints were lodged by 33 registered contractors and the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), Dibrugarh University unit.
Taking up the case, the Vigilance Wing examined the relevant documents received from the Registrar, Department of Assamese and the University Engineer in-charge.
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The wing had discussions among the members and also visited the Department of Assamese to verify the allegations.
Annexure IIThe Vigilance Wing in its report clearly said: “The University purchased the vitrified tiles (nano) at Rs 1,700 per box (4 pieces) as against the APWD schedule rate of Rs 1,402.88 (Rupees One Thousand Four Hundred Two and Paise Eighty Eight) only per box (4 pieces).”
As a rule, the University purchases all materials for construction and renovation as per APWD schedule rates.
The deviation resulted in excess payment.
“The deviation in rate has led to excess payment of Rs. 1,55,988/- (Rupees One Lakh Fifty Five Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty Eight) only from the University,” said the report.
The Vigilance Wing in its report also stated that the University paid Rs 8,92,500 (Eight Lakh Ninety Two Thousand Five Hundred) to M/S Vaibhav Sanitation, Dibrugarh for 525 packets of vitrified tiles (nano) on March 28, 2019.
“The stock entry register clearly shows receipt of 525 packets of vitrified tiles (nano) as on 27.3.2019 [Annexure IV]. The stock of 525 packets was also certified in the bill by the Coordinator and the Dy. Coordinator of SAP-CAS of the Department of Assamese,” it said.
The Vigilance Wing also found irregularities during their physical verification to the site.
“However, the Vigilance Wing on their visit to the Department of Assamese on 3.4.2019 found only 140 packets of vitrified tiles (nano) on physical verification,” the report said.
The report clearly said that “without receiving the full supply of 525 packets, full amount of 525 was paid”.
The report was signed by Vigilance Wing members P.D. Buzarbaruah, K. Bhuyan, Dr M. Gogoi, R. Saikia M. Gogoi and Vigilance Officer D.K. Chakraborty.
The Vigilance Wing report stated that the “proposal for purchase of floor tiles was not processed through Purchase Committee”.
However, a comparative statement showing the prices of vitrified titles (nano) was prepared by the Coordinator and Dy. Coordinator of SAP-CAS of the Department of Assamese based on three no. of quotations.
Apart from “no formal order for supply of tiles was issued”, the Vigilance Wing in its report said “no requisition for tiles from the department if found.”
Besides, although the file was marked to Registrar for financial approval, “his comments were not found in the file”.
The report also said the “bill for payment was not routed through the internal auditor”.
The Vigilance Wing in its report said deviations both in the procurement and payment took place in violation of the established norms and procedures like compromises with audit and less supplies.
The Vigilance Wing suggested that issues like involvement of non-registered firms as alleged in supply of tiles may be examined by an independent authority.
The Vigilance Wing noted lapses both in the processing the matter and also during disbursement by not complying with basic requirement for payment of bills.
However, despite submission of a report mentioning irregularities in UGC grants, it has been alleged that the University authorities have failed to take any action against those involved in it.
Despite repeated attempts from our Dibrugarh correspondent, the Vice Chancellor of Dibrugarh University could not be contacted.
