Stop constructing unnecessary buildings, UGC asks public univs

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has advised public universities not to build academic, administrative and residential buildings unnecessarily.

UGC member Prof Md Abu Taher said this while speaking as the chief guest at a workshop on "performance, preservation of certificates and sending it to the commission as per the Annual Performance Agreement (APA) of the fiscal year 2022-2023 in public universities".

The daylong workshop was held at the UGC auditorium on Thursday, said a UGC press release.

It has been seen that most of the flats in multi-storied buildings built for teachers in some universities are lying vacant, said the UGC member.

On the other hand, due to the crisis of residential halls, students are being forced to stay outside the campus. Building unnecessarily will only be a waste of state resources, he added.

Regarding the slow pace of implementation of development projects, he said in many universities, project work is not being completed on time.

In this case, they are repeatedly appealing for an increase in time and cost. This is increasing the government's spending, the release read.

About the irregularities in the development projects, he said the university authorities and concerned teachers and officials have been involved in irregularities. The investigation of irregularities against the teachers is very unfortunate.

Calling for the aesthetic design of the academic buildings of the newly established public universities and adequate light and air flow system, he said the classrooms of these universities are being built in such a way that AC is required.

Not enough ventilation is being kept there. As a result, the cost of the government is increasing along with the increased use of electricity, added the release.