Sardar Patel varsity’s first finance committee meeting held
Sardar Patel University (SPU) convened its first finance committee meeting since its establishment in April 2022, under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof Lalit Kumar Awasthi here today. The meeting included key attendees such as Special Secretary (Finance) Rohit Jamwal and Additional Director of Higher Education Dr Harish Kumar, alongside other committee members.
During the meeting, various important agendas were discussed, including the approval of annual accounts for the cluster university for the 2021-22 financial year and for SPU for 2022-23 and 2023-24 financial years. The committee also approved the budget estimates for 2024-25 and addressed the outsourcing of essential services like security, sanitation, electrical and plumbing work, due to a lack of regular staff.
Additionally, discussions covered the adoption of the OPS/CCS pension rules from 1972 and the implementation of a group personal accidental insurance scheme for university employees. The enhancement of remuneration rates for staff involved in UG/PG examination evaluations was also proposed, aligning with the practice at Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla.
Prof Awasthi highlighted the staffing challenges faced by SPU, noting that of the 67 sanctioned teaching positions, 41 remained vacant, and of the 129 non-teaching roles, 70 were unfilled. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks to the chair, emphasising a commitment to addressing these pressing staffing issues.
