After 2-year wait, Panjab University gets only 10% of sanctioned grant for its hostel projects, ETEducation
Chandigarh: Panjab University received the first tranche of funds for long-pending hostel projects, with around 10% of the total sanctioned amount, roughly Rs 5 crore of Rs 48.92 crore, released by the Punjab Govt as a “mobilisation advance”, vice-chancellor Prof Renu Vig confirmed on Monday.
The amount, credited under the financial year 2025-26, translates to approximately Rs 2.5 crore each for the construction of Boys’ Hostel No. 9 and the completion of additional floors of Girls’ Hostel No. 11. The VC said the university must utilise the funds within the current financial year.
“Yes, we finally received a part of the hostel grant,” Prof Vig said. “It is about 10% of the total sanctioned amount and came in the current financial year. Since it is for FY 2025-26, it must be spent by the end of this financial year.”
The release comes amid confusion triggered by a Nov 2024 video statement by chief minister Bhagwant Mann, in which he said funds for a girls’ hostel at PU were “recently” sanctioned. Following the statement, the university clarified that no fresh communication or transfer was received.
The hostel funding itself dates back to 2023. On Aug 24, 2023, Punjab’s department of higher education formally wrote to PU confirming grants of Rs 25,91,29,000 for the construction of Boys’ Hostel No 9 and Rs 23,00,86,000 for completing the second to sixth floors of Girls’ Hostel No 11. Despite the written sanction, no money was released for over a year, stalling progress on both projects.
The partial release now allows the university to initiate limited work, though officials said the amount is insufficient for major construction activity. Girls’ Hostel No 11 currently has only 2 functional floors, while the boys’ hostel project remains incomplete.
The VC said the university would plan expenditure carefully to ensure optimal use of the funds within the tight timeline. “We will now work out how best to utilise this amount within the financial year,” she said, adding that further releases would be crucial for meaningful progress.
The university was also under financial strain due to other pending liabilities. Over the past year, PU wrote multiple times to the Punjab Govt seeking the release of long-pending dues, including post-matric scholarship payments and pension-related arrears.
Officials said the first tranche indicates movement after prolonged delay but stressed that sustained funding will be required to complete the hostel projects and ease the accommodation crunch on campus.
Assurance on next tranche
Prof Vig said the Punjab Govt committed to releasing the remaining Rs 35 crore for the hostel projects in the next financial year. “We were assured that around Rs 35 crore will be provided in the next financial year,” she said.
What else remains pending
PU sought the release of other long-pending dues from the Punjab Govt. In a letter dated September 12, 2024, the university requested a one-time grant of Rs 102.66 crore to clear arrears of pension, gratuity and leave encashment. Another letter dated October 7, 2024, sought Rs 36.51 crore pending under the Post Matric Scholarship Scheme. While officials said part of the PMS arrears may be approved, Vice-Chancellor Prof Renu Vig said nothing was received so far.
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