NSF demands Vigilance probe in JU’s illegal tendering for release of Advts

‘Why officials bye-pass govt’s Info Deptt and using service of private agencies’

 Jammu, June 22: The National Secular Forum (NSF) has demanded Vigilance probe against the officials involved in the illegal tendering done by the University of Jammu (JU) for publication of advertisements in national as well as local dailies.

Addressing a press conference here today, NSF state president Dr Vikas Sharma stated that University was committing this fraud ever since the office of Vice Chancellor was assumed by Prof Ramji Dass Sharma. He has patronized proven corrupt and incompetent officials to serve his own purpose and the illegal tendering for publication of advertisement worth Rs 30 lakh is just another addition in this series.

Dr Sharma wondered as to how Registrar gave nod to such an illegal process under which tender was floated through selective e-mails and quotation invited within 24 hours. “This is a sheer abuse of chair and official machinery as no government department can dare to act in this manner. This illegal tendering itself explains that something is fishy right from the word go,” he added.

He also questioned as to why University was not following the UGC norms for publication of advertisements as ordered by the Hon’ble High Court in 2015 which says that only INS approved agencies should be given the task to release the advertisements to publication houses as being done by Central University of Jammu.

“University had arrangement with Information Department for release of advertisements to media houses then why the latter is bye-passed in this case and unregistered advertisement agencies were called for bidding. This single advertisement for B.Ed Admission Notice would cost around Rs 30 lakh to University out of which Advertisement agency would get around Rs 5-6 lakh which is huge sum and this process would be repeated at least for three times which means budget will go upto Rs 90 lakh and commission up to Rs 15-18 lakh which is simply very huge,” he explained.

The NSF state chief suspected that JU officials would also get a handsome graft/favour in lieu of release of advertisement through unregistered Advertisment Agency. “We also suspect the direct involvement of Vice Chancellor in this process as the same was being practiced for the last three years but this time it has been exposed,” he said and demanded that matter be referred to Vigilance Organization for thorough probe so that erring officials shall be punished for this misadventure.