In the recently-concluded audit in the Sambalpur University for the Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIIT)), the report recommends for recovery of `38.35 lakh from the persons responsible for the financial irregularities.
It may be mentioned that from the day one, the SUIIT and the University’s the-then Vice-Chancellor have been in controversy.
As per the study by the local Fund Audit, it has been detected that `13.23 lakh was spent extra for the construction of the SUIIT’s academic building. Further, for the construction of its hostel building, an excess expenditure of `11.88 lakh was made.
Similarly, under different other heads, the financial irregularities amount to nearly `13 lakh, the audit report states. And the total amount stands at `38.35 lakh, it states further.
It needs further mention that in the previous audit made on the construction of the SUIIT’s main building, financial irregularity of `1.55 crore had been pointed out. However, this amount is yet to be recovered from the persons concerned.
It is further learnt from the audit report that the university operates accounts in nine different banks. But the account manual is not being adhered to properly during the transactions, it is stated.
During the last audit, the University authorities were cautioned about such irregularities, but no action to get it rectified has been taken.
At the same time, the bank passbooks and the cashbooks do not also match, which is nothing but a severe financial abnormality, the report said.
When contacted, present University Vice-Chancellor Prof BC Barik said he was yet to get the audit report. “However, once the report is made available officially, action, as necessary, will be taken,” he said.