PMO seeks report from Ramjas on charges of fraud

The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has sought a report from Delhi University’s (DU)  Ramjas College regarding charges of embezzlement levelled against it. 

It has been alleged that embezzlement to the tune of crores took place, especially during the college’s Centennial celebrations, when Rajendra Prasad was the Principal. 

A complaint in this regard was filed with the PMO by Professor Dhan Raj, who is also the General Secretary of the Delhi University and Colleges Backward Employees Association. 

He reportedly got hold of all the documents concerning the case. DNA has a copy of his letter. 

The PMO then issued a letter to the college, seeking its reply on the matter. 

Two days later, on May 31 this year, the university also issued a letter to the college, seeking explanation. 

Commenting on the issue, former Principal Prasad said: “Everything is just an allegation. Anyone can say what they want. Let the PMO letter reach the college. They will send a detailed reply on the matter.” 

According to the professor’s complaint, over Rs 37 lakh was paid to a private company to provide medical services to students and staffers from 2013-14 to 2016-17. 

Till now, however, no such services have been provided. 

Another major allegation is that there is no approved office record of Rs 3 crore that was spent on Centennial celebrations in 2017. 

“No voucher has been placed before the Governing body. More surprisingly, the details of the estimated budget were not mentioned in the agenda of the Governing body meeting but was deceptively mentioned in the minutes of the meeting,” the complaint filed by Dhan Raj read.

Earlier this year, the college had held its centennial celebrations with great pomp and show, including a huge light and sound show.  

According to the complaint, even the committee that approved the budget did not exist according to the university rules, as all decisions taken by the committee after December 31, 2016, were made null and void.

The college authorities are yet to respond in the matter.

Analysis

Such unfortunate incidents mar the entire purpose of education, and must be probed thoroughly, so that the right lessons can be learned