Short of funds, Punjabi University turns to donations

Tribune News Service

Patiala, October 7

In the wake of over-expenditure and lack of grants from the state government, Punjabi University has now turned to donations.

The university’s Vice Chancellor (VC) has donated Rs 2 lakh from his salary.

The university said it had been registered under Section 80G of the IT Act with the Income Tax Department which allows donations to certain funds, charitable institutions and others.

“Well-wishers who want to donate to the university will be eligible for a tax rebate,” read a statement released by the university.

The VC has appealed to people settled in India and abroad to contribute towards improving the university’s financial condition.

At a time when its coffers have run completely dry and when it has also reached the upper limit of taking bank loans, the university has been directed by the Finance Department to reduce its financial burden through manpower audit and rationalisation of posts. Rahul Bhandari, Secretary, Higher Education, said: “We are releasing Rs 8.7 crore monthly, while Rs 30 crore as special funds have also been provided. At present, we don’t have any proposal to provide more funds. It is the university’s decision to accept donations from its alumni and others in India and abroad.”