WB govt to probe financial irregularities in universities

The West Bengal government will initiate a probe into alleged financial irregularities as noticed in some universities, state higher Education Minister Partha Chatterjee said on Monday.

Replying to a discussion on the The West Bengal State Council of Higher Education Bill 2015 in the state Assembly, Chatterjee said many irregularities have come to his notice, adding the department would initiate a probe on those.

Naming Jadavpur University, he said Rs 2 crore had been spent in purchasing laptops without inviting any tenders.

The universities must definitely enjoy autonomy, but that should not lead to a situation where there would not be any financial discipline. Governments do have a role, he said.

Speaking on the Bill, he said the Opposition parties were raising hue and cry as the legislation provided for <g data-gr-id="17">appointment</g> of the higher education minister as chairman of the council.