The Delhi government has officially initiated a special audit of 12 colleges affiliated with the University of Delhi (DU) and fully funded by the government. This significant move is the result of allegations concerning financial irregularities raised by Chief Minister Atishi. To head this scrutiny, the Directorate of Audit has formed an eight-member team tasked with investigating these claims.
According to the directive issued last week, the Audit department has instructed the Secretary of the Directorate of Higher Education to mandate the colleges involved to prepare all necessary records and documentation for the audit team. The formal order stated, “I am directed to convey the approval of Competent Authority for conducting a Special Audit on the examination of issues related to 12 colleges (fully funded by the Delhi Government) affiliated with the University of Delhi, as per the status Report of the High-Level Committee.”
Further instructions also emphasized the need for the concerned colleges to facilitate the audit process by providing seating arrangements and secretarial assistance, ensuring the team has all the resources necessary during their investigation.
Interestingly, this audit was set against the backdrop of findings from a prior report compiled by a ten-member committee. During the recent joint meeting of the Academic Council (AC) and Executive Council (EC) at Delhi University, it was unanimously acknowledged by members of the body, who found no evidence of financial improprieties within the 12 colleges, which contradicts the accusations made by Atishi.
The university is now planning to appeal to the state government to take the committee’s findings seriously, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Atishi's earlier claims. There is also a growing request from DU directed at Atishi to retract her communication to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, wherein she raised the possibility of de-affiliations for these institutions.
The scrutiny of these colleges isn't new. Back in December of last year, Atishi flagged concerns relating to “irregularities” within the institutions funded by the Delhi government. She highlighted significant procedural lapses, citing issues involving hundreds of crores of rupees drawn from the public treasury.
Given these claims, she proposed two significant actions: either merging the colleges under the governance of the Delhi government or allowing the Centre to take full control, which would mean the local government ceasing its financial support to them entirely. This issue has sparked contentious debates about governance and funding within the education sector.
Atishi’s call for scrutiny is believed to stem from broader concerns over how public funds are managed, especially when it involves educational institutions. There’s been increasing demand from various quarters for transparency and accountability, particularly as the education sector remains under the spotlight due to its substantial public investment.
This audit serves as another chapter in the often-tense relationship between the Delhi government and its educational institutions, especially as stakeholders like parents, students, and faculty weigh the ramifications of potential funding cuts or governance changes on their college experience.
While the university remains steadfast, pushing back against allegations of malpractice, the results of this special audit could either affirm the institution’s integrity or lead to broader consequences should irregularities be confirmed. Stakeholders are now watching closely to see how this situation plays out and what it could mean for the future of these 12 Delhi University colleges.