The Jawaharlal Nehru University's administration had spent close to Rs 10 lakh on unveiling the statue of Swami Vivekananda, reveals information accessed via an RTI. The RTI also says that the administration had not sent a proposal to release these funds.
Tearing into the expenditure, the JNU Students' Union said in a statement, "The administration’s response is indicative of a scam. In response to the first query that sought the proposal, the administration stated that “no such information is available.” At the same time responding to the second query, the university has stated that on November 12, 2020, a total of Rs 9,90,650 has been spent towards the programme of unveiling the statue of Vivekananda." The statue was inaugurated in November by Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually.
Demanding the MoE's intervention in this matter, the JNUSU also cried foul over the administration apparently reducing financial assistance to students for participation in conferences across schools from 50 to 80 percent, while spending this large an amount for an event. "The JNU students faced innumerable problems after lockdown. Many students are unable to pursue their education from home because of the lack of internet facilities. However, no support has been provided by the JNU administration," reads the statement. "The condition of hostels is completely shabby, but JNU administration does not have money to repair it, funds are constantly being cut for research, while VC housing and the road leading towards it has been installed with expensive lights and non-essential exterior beautification," it reads.
