‘Rampant corruption led to Utkal Univ degrading’–Ex-UU Student Union prez urges Guv to take action against VC

  Former president of Utkal University Students Union and OPCC general secretary Manoj Kumar Biswal has alleged rampant corrupt practices adopted in running the Utkal University by the Vice Chancellor, leading degrading of standards of the varsity, including NAAC grade from A+ in 2016 to A at present.   In a letter to State Governor and Chancellor of universities Dr Ganeshi Lal, Biswal squarely blamed the VC for poor academic leadership ,nepotism, poor governance and corruption which have led to degradation of the premier university of the State. Biswal alleged corrupt practices in allocating civil works and making unnecessary expenditures like Rs 2.87 crore for developing lawns priorate NAAC visit in April, 2023, Rs 1 crore for redesigning the Syndicate Hall which was constructed in 2018, Rs 40 lakh for dining hall at Vice Chancellor’s residence, repair of two boys hostels at a unbelievably high cost of more than Rs 10 crore and Rs 1 crore each for other hostels repairing. He said the expenditures were too high and work done was of very poor quality. Similarly, Biswal alleged that the VC was running the show by a coterie ignoring democratic participation of all stakeholders such as teachers ,students, employees and alumni etc. and unfair practices in promotions of teachers and PhD admissions. Biswal cited a few instances wherein the rules were bent for admitting a few candidates in PhD programmed. He said that the university staff members are not happy with the incumbent VC and sought an inquiry into all malpractices and action against the accused.