MGCU Motihari remains without a permanent campus as CAG flags financial, administrative concerns

The Mahatma Gandhi Central University (MGCU) in Motihari, Bihar, has been operating from temporary locations for nearly ten years, Azib Ahmed reports. Students and research scholars have raised concerns over classrooms, hostels and other facilities offered by MGCU. The university started in 2016 and now operates from five premises across Motihari. The campuses are not permanent and are just 2 to 4 km apart.

MGCU had earlier identified land for a permanent campus many years ago. However, the campus has not been built yet. The university told Azib Ahmed of Careers360 that the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) has prepared a detailed cost estimate and sent it to the Ministry of Education for approval. The construction work will start after the funds are approved and released.

A Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) audit of MGCU’s 2024 to 25 financial records also reported that the estimated cost of the proposed campus had increased from Rs 850 crore to Rs 1,338 crore. MGCU did not agree with the earlier estimate and said the current estimate of Rs 1,338 crore was prepared by CPWD after discussions with students, faculty and officials.

Also Read | West Bengal government says 933 zero-enrolment schools may be repurposed; committee formed

MGCU students' concerns over classes, library

Students and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) scholars have pointed out problems with limited classroom space and irregular classes. Some classrooms are even shared by students from different departments, which makes it difficult for research scholars to study when classes are being conducted for other students.

Students have also faced problems with hostel facilities. Many students have no hostels and continue to live in rented accommodation. However, MGCU said to Azib that its women’s hostel is already open and the boys’ hostel will be starting soon. The university also mentioned that its library has more than 35,000 books and gives access to research databases and online resources. Meanwhile, students have reported that the library is far from some departments and does not even have the basic research-related books.

MGCU said classes are being held regularly according to the academic calendar. It also said the permanent campus will include classrooms, library and hostel facilities.

Also Read | IIM Rohtak CAG audit flags 35% fee hike, Rs 7.49 crore faculty payout and governance lapses

CAG flags concerns

The CAG audit report also raised concerns about rules for buying goods and services, missing documents and the cost of repair work. The report also pointed out that some repair works were divided into smaller contracts and that documents like work orders and completion certificates were not available for many projects.

MGCU Motihari also has not appointed its first permanent registrar and finance officer. According to Azib, Mahatma Gandhi Central University said the recruitment process for both the above-mentioned posts is still under process.

Questions have also been raised over some faculty appointments and promotions. A petition challenging the eligibility of MGCU Vice-Chancellor Sanjay Srivastava is still pending before the Patna High Court and the Ministry of Education, along with the university, is under scrutiny.