2 state varsities face probe over financial irregularities

Jaipur: Rajasthan governor Haribhau Bagde has ordered investigations into two state-run universities — Raj Rishi Bhartrihari Matsya University in Alwar and Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University in Bikaner — over allegations of financial mismanagement and violations of university regulations.

Principal officer on special duty to Bagde, Raj Kumar Sagar, confirmed to TOI that these investigations followed complaints and preliminary reports pointing to irregularities.

"The committee has been constituted to inquire into allegations received through various sources and preliminary reports," Sagar said, adding that complaints concerning other varsities are also under consideration. The scrutiny came in the wake of the suspension of the vice- chancellor of Maharaja Surajmal Brij University, Ramesh Chandra, for alleged embezzlement of funds. Inquiries focus on the conduct and financial decisions of the vice-chancellors and finance officers at the universities.

"The nature of complaints has been kept confidential, particularly since these appointments were made during the tenure of former governor Kalraj Mishra," a senior official said. Mishra's tenure ended in July 2024. Apart from the two universities in Alwar and Bikaner, the governor decided to examine "discrepancies" in issuing tenders for construction contracts in four other universities.

"Governor Bagde has directed officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards complaints in state-funded universities and ensure time-bound redressal," a source at the Governor House told TOI.

Complaints lodged by Civil Lines MLA and Rajasthan University syndicate member Gopal Sharma are also under review. Sharma called for formal investigations into Rajasthan University in Jaipur. "In my letters to the governor, I've raised concerns about the lack of financial transparency, particularly in tendering processes. Moreover, decisions taken by the university syndicate are not being implemented," Sharma said. He also criticised the irregularity of classes and the failure to prioritise research. "Meritorious students are suffering due to administrative negligence," he added.

Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Shekhawati University in Sikar, Bikaner Technical University, and Rajasthan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences in Bikaner also face scrutiny over violations in recruitment processes. "The complaints in these universities are of serious nature and in a phased manner, they will face the inquiry," an official in the higher education department said.