‘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.