Finance Department Audit uncovers Rs.44 lakh Fraud in Vinobha Bhave University:

Finance Department Audit uncovers Rs.44 lakh Fraud in Vinobha Bhave University A state government audit revealed major financial irregularities at Vinobha Bhave University (VBU) during the tenure of former vice-chancellor Dr. Mukund Deo Narayan (2020-2023). The investigation, which began when University union secretary Chandan Singh filed a complaint with then-chancellor CK Radhakrishnan, uncovered Rs.44 lakh in misappropriation of funds. The audit, carried out by Jharkhand's finance department, revealed multiple instances of financial misconduct and poor record-keeping. Among the most notable discoveries was an expenditure of Rs.8 lakh on cashews and raisins during the Covid-19 era, which raises severe concerns about the prudence of such spending during a pandemic. The investigation also revealed inconsistencies in the usage of the vice-chancellor's official vehicle, including fuel bills with unusual expenses and proof that the vehicle was used for personal purposes. Furthermore, the audit discovered suspicious transactions relating to the institution's digitization initiative, in which payments for mobile phones and laptops were routed to personal bank accounts of university officials close to the vice-chancellor rather than being made directly to vendors. According to the finance department's report to current registrar Sada Razaad, the university management shown obvious disregard for financial responsibility. The audit found missing documentation, faulty vehicle log book upkeep, and unauthorized expenditures, such as Rs.2 lakh on tea and refreshments, as well as exaggerated spending on university mapping projects. The state government has asked the registrar to identify officials implicated in these anomalies and retrieve misappropriated monies within one month. In addition, the registrar must send an action taken report (ATR) to the financial department. However, complainant Singh claims that the audit's scope was limited to only three areas: vice-chancellor quarter spending, digitalization, and building development and transportation. He has urged for a more extensive investigation, particularly into the examination department and RUSA fund usage. The state government has now ordered strict action against those guilty for these financial violations, indicating a substantial shift towards responsibility in the university administration. Dr. Pawan Kumar Poddar, the current vice-chancellor of VBU, stated that he learnt about the defalcation via a newspaper report. He added that he is currently on leave but will return to the HRD tomorrow. "Once I return from meeting with the HRD, I will visit the university and review the findings of the financial irregularities submitted by the finance ministry." "I am not aware of this inquiry," he stated. Despite efforts, the registrar could not be reached.