JOIN USDeemed-to-be varsities may face CAG audit
The deemed-to-be universities may have to open their accounts for an audit by the comptroller and auditor general (CAG) of India if the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry has its way.
In a recent communication to the university grants commission (UGC), the ministry has sought the higher education regulator to ensure that accounts of the deemed to be universities are audited by the CAG.
The UGC, however objected to the ministry’s directive, contending that the CAG can audit government-run institutions only, official sources told Deccan Herald.
Regulation
“The commission stated that there was no scope of seeking the deemed to be universities to open their accounts for the CAG audit. But, a provision for this is already there in the regulations formed by the UGC,” they said.
Clause 20 (1) of the UGC regulations, 2010, stipulates that the accounts of the institutions deemed to be university shall be open for examination by the CAG of India.
“The ministry will pursue the matter further. The UGC regulations provide for CAG audit of the deemed to be university,” sources added.
Over 120 deemed to be universities are operating across the country with highest in Tamil Nadu (28).
Private entities
Though these universities are being run by private entities, a large number of them are being funded by the UGC under various schemes.
“A provision for CAG audit of the deemed to be universities in the UGC regulations has been rightly been made. Why should CAG not conduct audit of accounts of these universities when government is funding them,” they pointed out.
While the ministry will reach out to the UGC with its arguments in support of CAG audit of the deemed to be universities, it may also consult the national auditor for its opinion, they added.