Himachal: RKMV Shimla Spent ₹6.84 Lakh on Electricity and Telephone Bills During Lockdown, Audit Raises Questions
Shimla: Despite educational institutions being closed for a long period during the COVID-19 lockdown, RKMV Shimla spent ₹6,83,733 on electricity and telephone bills, raising questions in a government audit. According to the audit report, schools and colleges in the state were closed from 16 March 2020 to 12 February 2021 in the financial year 2019-20.
The State Audit Department has directed the college principal to justify the expenditure. The report noted that despite limited hostel and office activities, payments for electricity and telephone bills were made from the hostel and student funds, which the audit considered unusual under the circumstances.
Additionally, at Amb College in Una district, ₹34,200 was collected from Himachali bonafide students despite no provision for tuition fees, prompting the audit department to seek explanations from the concerned institutions.
RKMV College stated in its preliminary reply that an internal investigation would be conducted, and a detailed report would be submitted to the audit department in accordance with rules. Higher Education Director Dr. Amarjeet Kumar Sharma said the college management would be asked to clarify the justification of the expenditure. The college also noted that the high electricity bills during the lockdown were due to an approved higher load, which has now been reduced, saving approximately ₹3.5 lakh annually.
3 Comments