The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has raised serious concerns over the financial management of higher education institutions in Odisha. The report highlights irregularities in fund utilisation, mismanagement of grants, and lack of proper monitoring in universities and colleges across the state. These lapses, according to the CAG, have not only weakened transparency but also affected the quality of academic and infrastructural development in many institutions.
I am writing about this issue because higher education is at the heart of shaping future generations, and any financial mismanagement directly impacts students, teachers, and the overall academic ecosystem. Odisha has been working to expand its higher education footprint, but if funds meant for learning and infrastructure are not properly used, the efforts will not deliver the expected results.
This topic is important for parents, students, and policymakers to understand how accountability in education finance can influence both access to resources and the quality of teaching. Transparency in fund management is as vital as policy reforms to ensure equitable growth in higher education.
Key findings of the CAG report
The CAG’s review uncovered several shortcomings in Odisha’s higher education sector:
- Delayed utilisation of grants leading to lapses in fund allocation.
- Non-adherence to financial rules in handling government aid and institutional revenues.
- Pending audits in multiple universities, weakening accountability.
- Funds diverted for purposes other than those sanctioned, affecting infrastructure and academic projects.
- Inadequate monitoring mechanisms by the Higher Education Department.
Impact on institutions and students
The mismanagement has led to stalled projects, delayed scholarships, and poor facilities in some state-run universities and colleges. For example, many students have complained of insufficient hostel infrastructure and delays in research funding. Teachers too face challenges due to delayed salaries and lack of resources for academic development.
What needs to be done
To address these gaps, experts suggest:
- Regular and timely financial audits of universities and colleges.
- Strict adherence to the Odisha Education Act and financial guidelines.
- Greater use of digital monitoring systems to track fund utilisation.
- Accountability measures for administrators and management committees.
