UGC blacklists Manipur College, ceases grants
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 11 2018: In connection with misappropriation of funds and the State Government's failure to take up any action against one former Principal-in-charge who is mainly responsible for the misappropriation, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has not only blacklisted Manipur College, Singjamei but also ceased giving funds/grants to the college.

Manipur College has 14 departments in Arts and Science streams and it has around 2500 students.

UGC's National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has already given Grade-B to Manipur College.

Peeved with the State Government's lackadaisical attitude towards the issue of misappropriating funds, UGC stopped releasing any fund to the college since three/four years back.

There is also a strong possibility that NAAC may withdraw the Grade-B status given to the college.

In such a scenario, both teachers and students would face several difficulties, sources informed.

University and Higher Education Department conducted an enquiry over former Principal-in-charge Dr Kh Jayentakumar on the charges of misappropriating funds sanctioned by UGC.

Even though the former Principal-in-charge paid back the misappropriated amount, the UGC asked the State Government to take up disciplinary action against Dr Jayentakumar for his wrongdoing.

However, the State Government did not take up any action which aggrieved the UGC which led to cessation of all periodic grants to the college.

With the cessation of grants since three/four years back, many academic programmes such as seminars, workshops, conferences etc have been brought to a grinding halt.

UGC has been withholding financial assistance even for programmes held earlier, informed the sources.

In the meantime, the State Government wrote to the UGC to review their decisions of blacklisting the college and blocking all grants and financial assistance.

The UGC categorically replied that they may consider about reviewing their decisions only after necessary action is initiated against the fraudulent Principal-in-charge.

Dr Kh Jayentakumar who is currently teaching at Manipur College as Associate Professor (Economics) served as Principal-in-charge from 2010 to 2014, the sources added.

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