On November 22, 2017, Deputy Chief Minister and Education Minister of Delhi, Mr. Manish Sisodia revealed that the Vice Chancellors of government-funded universities could sanction works that cost up to Rs. 5 crores. The Delhi government wants to ensure more autonomy to these institutes, clarified by Manish Sisodia.
According to sources, Mr. Manish Sisodia has already written to Finance Department to ensure immediate delegation of power.
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Earlier, the VCs of Delhi government-funded universities did not have enough financial powers to sanction works. They were highly dependent on the government to get approval for sanction the works. There was a huge delay in getting approval from the government, and the varsities were unable to take up the works that need to be undertaken on urgent basis.
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Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and Delhi Technological University are some the popular universities that are funded by the Government of Delhi. With the latest reform, these universities will get more financial autonomy. On the other hand, the developmental activities can be also taken on an urgent basis.
Clarifying further, Mr. Manish Sisodia stated that the varsities have complete financial autonomy for repair and maintenance activities. However, the autonomy in these matters is possible only if it is carried out through Public Works Department (PWD). On the other hand, if any other agency performs the maintenance and repair, the varsities have financial autonomy up to Rs. 1 crore per annum.
Mr. Manish Sisodia directed the concerned authorities to implement the new reform on a priority basis.