THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Feb 13: Taking serious note of alleged irregularities in the construction of Nilamber Pitamber University (NPU) in Daltonganj, built for Rs 350 crore by the Jharkhand State Building Construction Corporation, Governor Santosh Gangwar has formed a three-member investigation committee.
The committee will conduct a thorough inspection of the project on February 17-18. It will assess the quality of the construction and the initial cost estimates, as well as investigate the hasty takeover of the building. A detailed report will be submitted after the inspection.
The governor took action following a meeting with State Finance Minister Radhakrishna Kishore at Raj Bhavan. Kishore raised concerns about the poor quality of construction at NPU, alleging serious deficiencies.
Hasty takeover by University registrar
The finance minister said he visited the university on February 11 after some students submitted a complaint.
He pointed out that despite the massive expenditure, there was no provision for drinking water at the site. “How can a Rs 350 crore building be constructed by the State Building Corporation without ensuring a water source?” he questioned.
Kishore also raised safety concerns, noting that the windows lacked grills. He further stated that the academic building remains non-functional due to the lack of water—there isn’t even water available for basic use, such as handwashing.
Despite these glaring shortcomings, the university registrar hastily took over the building. Kishore alleged that this raises suspicions of a possible scam.
The finance minister, who represents the Chhatarpur assembly constituency in Palamu, also questioned Commissioner Bal Kishun Munda. Munda, who was officiating as vice-chancellor before his retirement on January 31, allegedly approved multiple proposals for constructing college buildings in his final days in office.
