The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has released a report highlighting alleged procedural discrepancies at the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) between 2020 and 2025. The report points to a delay of over 17 years in establishing the Department of Atomic Energy-ICT Centre due to changing plans and refund of interest, blocking funds totaling Rs 46 crore.
Key Findings of the CAG Report
The CAG report also noted irregularities in purchases, non-appointment of statutory committees, fee regulation for postgraduate courses, and alleged procedural lapses in the re-appointment of the vice-chancellor. Regarding the DAE-ICT centre, ICT authorities stated that the delay in construction was due to a lack of permission from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the institute is in the process of obtaining it.
Irregularities at ICT-Jalna Campus
The report also highlighted alleged irregularities in construction work at the ICT-Jalna campus, related to land allotment, marking, and remarking of land. The institute claimed that these irregularities have been addressed and construction has started following proper procedures.
Purchase and Hostel Issues
At the Matunga campus, purchases were allegedly made without inviting tenders. Institute authorities claimed that special purchase permission was authorized under the vice-chancellor's emergency powers due to the necessity of the laboratory and the structural condition of the old building. The report also highlighted overcrowding in hostels, to which the institute responded that two-seater rooms had to be converted into three-seaters until new facilities were developed, due to a significant increase in the number of girl students.
