Panjab University Initiates Inquiry After 16 Years of Unresolved Construction Complaints
Chandigarh: Panjab University has officially launched an inquiry into long-standing construction-related grievances that have remained unresolved for over 16 years, since initial complaints were raised in 2009. This decisive action follows the submission of an affidavit by the complainant, a procedural requirement mandated by the university's Vigilance Cell before further investigation could proceed.
Background of the Complaints and Key Figures
The complaints have been persistently pursued by Dr. Rajinder K. Singla, who has utilized various channels including formal representations, Right to Information (RTI) applications, and official complaints. These issues pertain to construction works conducted during the university's expansion phase in sectors 14 and 25, encompassing academic blocks, hostels, guest houses, and the multi-purpose auditorium. Notably, the inquiry was initiated after the retirement of a senior engineering officer associated with these projects on June 30, 2025. Former executive engineer R.K. Rai, involved during the relevant period, declined to comment on the allegations.
Allegations and Documentation Challenges
According to the complaints on record, the allegations are multifaceted, focusing on:
- Quality of construction and revisions in cost estimates.
- Delays in project completion and availability of sanction and approval records.
- Compliance with statutory requirements and non-availability of records sought under the RTI Act.
These assertions have not been adjudicated upon in the examined documents. RTI replies issued between 2021 and 2024 frequently indicated that information was "not readily available" or "not traceable." For instance, a January 2022 reply noted that a sanction of Rs 90 lakh was "not traceable," while a September 2024 response denied any record of a cost enhancement from Rs 10 crore to Rs 15 crore for the auditorium.
Committee Findings and University Actions
Minutes from a committee meeting held on June 18, 2018, which was constituted to "enquire into the quality of construction over the last 16 years," revealed that the committee "found many lapses in the construction work" of several buildings. It recommended identifying and fixing responsibility for these lapses and ensuring they are not repeated in future projects. Additionally, it advised placing technical reports before the Syndicate for review.
In December 2018, the Syndicate accepted these minutes and authorized the vice-chancellor to form a technical committee to examine the issues, suggest guidelines for future constructions, and identify faults for accountability. However, available records do not confirm whether this technical committee submitted its findings.
Recent Developments and Official Statements
In May 2025, a fresh complaint consolidating earlier issues was submitted, prompting the Vigilance Cell to request an affidavit as per applicable rules and Syndicate decisions. The affidavit was submitted in September 2025, leading to the initiation of the current inquiry. When contacted, PU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Renu Vig stated, "A committee to examine construction quality was constituted during the previous vice-chancellor's tenure. The report is still awaited. Pending its submission and consideration, certain retirement benefits of the former official have been withheld in accordance with the rules."
Key Highlights from Records
- Complaints related to Panjab University construction works have been raised since 2009, pursued over 16 years through various means.
- The 2018 committee recorded "many lapses" and recommended fixing responsibility and submitting technical reports to the Syndicate.
- RTI replies between 2021 and 2024 often cited missing or untraceable records, including a Rs 90 lakh sanction.
- Cost statements for the multi-purpose auditorium show a revision in interior design, with figures increasing from Rs 10.02 crore to Rs 15.06 crore.
- The affidavit was submitted in September 2025, fulfilling the procedural requirement for the inquiry to commence.
This inquiry marks a critical step in addressing decade-long concerns over construction integrity and transparency at Panjab University, with stakeholders awaiting further developments as the investigation unfolds.
