Financial mismanagement and significant accounting gaps have resurfaced at Nagpur University (NU), with the annual audit report for the 2024-25 fiscal year raising serious red flags. The report highlights major discrepancies in advances, deposits, and grants, prompting immediate administrative action.
Audit Exposes Crores in Unverified Advances and Deposits
Acting on the concerning audit observations and discussions in the Senate House, Vice-Chancellor Manali Kshirsagar constituted a high-powered investigative committee on Saturday. The committee is headed by Senate member Manmohan Bajpai and tasked with tracing the money trail and pinpointing any irregularities.
The audit report pinpointed a staggering sum of ₹22.76 crore outstanding under the "Advances" category. Auditors critically noted that party-wise details and an ageing analysis of these advances were not provided for verification, making it impossible to assess their recoverability. Furthermore, the report flagged that several deposit balances have remained unresolved for extended periods without reconciliation. It advised the university management to scrutinize these balances and, if found unclaimed, transfer them to "Miscellaneous Income" after securing due approvals.
Grants Misreported and University's Response
In another significant finding, the audit stated that ₹22.36 lakh shown as "unspent grants" actually pertained to recurring grants where expenditure had already been incurred. This error resulted in an overstatement of the university's liabilities.
In its compliance note, the university's accounts section explained that manual party-wise records are maintained, but discrepancies arose from balances being carried forward from previous years. They stated that verification is currently underway to identify the complete break-up of advances, and updated lists will be furnished. The finance department added that the segregation of security deposits and earnest money deposits (EMDs) has improved from the 2024-25 financial year, and old deposits will be transferred to income after verification. Regarding the unspent grant issue, the department clarified it relates to FY 2023-24 and will be rectified in FY 2025-26 after due checks.
Senate Debate Points to Possible Corruption, Demands Wider Probe
During the Senate meeting, committee head Manmohan Bajpai emphasized the gravity of the situation. He pointed out that a significant portion of the ₹22.76 crore outstanding includes amounts pending for several years despite repeated reminders. Bajpai alleged that certain cases indicate serious irregularities and possible corruption.
He specifically mentioned the sports department, where advances were taken but accounts were not settled, and payments were allegedly not passed on. Bajpai argued that while action had been taken against one individual in the past, such systemic lapses could not be attributed to a single person and warranted a broader, more comprehensive investigation.
"The issue is not of ₹1–1.5 crore, but the entire ₹22 crore-plus outstanding. The money trail has to be traced to establish accountability," Bajpai stated. He confirmed that the newly formed committee would examine all such non-adjustable balances and recommend appropriate action to the university administration.
