Financial Cloud Over Chandigarh College: Audit Unearths Troubling Accounting Gaps

When you entrust a college with public funds, especially money paid directly by students for their education, a basic expectation is crystal-clear transparency and meticulous record-keeping. However, a recent audit report concerning the Government Girls College in Sector 42, Chandigarh, has painted a rather concerning picture, exposing what appears to be a bewildering lack of proper financial management.

The audit, conducted by the Local Audit Department, Punjab, has meticulously highlighted numerous irregularities, particularly concerning the 'pupil funds' – the monies collected from students. Imagine a scenario where admission fees, examination charges, fines, and even hostel dues aren't properly documented. That's precisely what the report indicates: a significant failure to maintain accurate records, often with no proper receipts or vouchers issued for payments received. It's the kind of oversight that raises immediate red flags about accountability.

Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising revelation is the existence of an "undisclosed account." The audit found that the college was holding funds – public money, essentially – in an account that was not part of the government treasury. One can't help but wonder why such an arrangement was deemed necessary, or indeed, appropriate. Adding to this financial opacity is a colossal sum of Rs 5.5 crore listed under "other charges" without any accompanying details. Furthermore, Rs 4.19 crore was transferred from this vague "other charges" head to another specific account, a move that the auditors have rightly questioned due to the lack of clear justification.

Beyond these immediate financial discrepancies, the audit also pointed to fundamental systemic weaknesses. There was a notable absence of essential financial documents like proper cash books and ledgers, which are the backbone of any sound accounting system. Without these, tracing financial movements becomes akin to searching for a needle in a haystack, making oversight nearly impossible.

It's not just the students' direct payments under scrutiny. Large government grants, intended for crucial development projects, also appear to be riddled with inconsistencies. For instance, a substantial grant of Rs 10.5 crore was allocated for a new building at the college. Shockingly, while nearly 94.75% of these funds were reportedly utilized, only about 50% of the physical construction work had actually been completed. This significant disconnect between expenditure and physical progress is a serious concern, prompting questions about the efficient and honest use of public resources.

Adding to the list of financial irregularities is an expenditure of Rs 44.13 lakh on salaries for guest faculty, which reportedly occurred without the necessary official sanctions or approvals. Moreover, while some departments seem to be scrambling for funds, a surprising unspent balance of Rs 14.53 lakh was found from grants specifically allocated for new courses. One might ask why these funds were left idle when they could have been used to enhance academic offerings.

Beyond purely monetary concerns, the audit also highlighted a troubling lack of care for college assets. There were notable lapses in the management and inventory of valuable resources such as library books, sports equipment, and laboratory equipment. Proper inventory management is crucial not only for accountability but also for ensuring these resources remain available and functional for students.

Understandably, these findings have placed the college principal in a rather difficult position. She has acknowledged the audit report and stated that the college is in the process of compiling a comprehensive reply to address each point raised. It's also worth noting, as the Dean of Colleges at Panjab University clarified, that this particular institution operates under the purview of the UT administration, not Panjab University itself, which helps clarify the lines of administrative accountability.

Ultimately, this audit report isn't just about numbers and regulations; it's about the bedrock principles of trust and accountability in public education. It underscores the critical need for meticulous financial practices and transparency to ensure that resources meant for students and institutional development are managed with the utmost integrity and efficiency.