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No funds to run DU train

Last Updated 04 November 2015, 06:26 IST

Lack of funds may force Delhi University to discontinue Gyanodaya Express, which takes students on biannual education trips.

This ‘College on Wheels’ project was started in 2012 by former vice chancellor Dinesh Singh, who demitted office last month after completion of his tenure. 

According to DU sources, the university did not receive grants from either the University Grants Commission (UGC) or any other government agency for the five trips Gyanodaya Express has made.

“Prof Singh as head of DU had taken the decision to start the project and he provided all the necessary assistance including the finances,” a varsity official said, adding that the current administration is not showing interest in running the education train journey.

“For continue with project, the university requires around Rs 2 crore. The current regime cites the rulebook to say there is no separate fund for the purpose. Without money, it’s impossible to manage the educational trip which benefited over 4,000 students,” the official said.

Been to many states

Inspired by the PM’s inclination to connect with the northeast, the train had travelled to northeastern states last it. In the past, it had also been to states like Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa and Rajasthan.

Singh had introduced his ambitious project, the Gyanodaya Express, to provide students an opportunity to deepen their understanding of India’s cultural diversity.

In 2013, in a trip to Punjab around 200 students from Edinburgh University and Kings College, London also joined the their DU counterparts.

The each costed between Rs 1. 5 crore to Rs two crore to the university. Around 900 students used to go in a single trip.

However, the project had its share of controversy, with the Delhi University Teachers’ Association accusing former VC of being involved in financial and administrative irregularities in DU, including trips organised on the Gyanodaya Express.

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(Published 04 November 2015, 06:26 IST)

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