The Delhi government has disbursed a total of ₹132 crore in grants to 12 fully-funded Delhi University colleges. This financial injection includes ₹108 crore as the third installment of grants-in-aid for the current fiscal year, 2024-25. An additional ₹24 crore has been separately approved to cover urgent operational expenses. The primary objective behind this swift disbursement is to ensure that all staff salaries are paid before the upcoming Diwali festival.
A senior official from the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) confirmed the fund release. Colleges received instructions to prioritize salary disbursements. They must also submit detailed spending reports at the earliest.
Funding Breakdown and Purpose
The ₹108 crore grant-in-aid serves as a regular, planned financial allocation. It supports the core functions and daily operations of these educational institutions. These funds are crucial for maintaining academic programs, administrative services, and general infrastructure. This release marks a continued effort by the government to uphold its financial responsibilities towards these colleges.
The supplementary ₹24 crore is earmarked specifically for immediate, high-priority expenditures. This emergency fund addresses critical areas such as overdue electricity bills, essential maintenance work required across campus facilities, any pending salaries for teaching and non-teaching staff, necessary upgrades or restocking for laboratory requirements, and various activities crucial for upcoming examinations.
Colleges Receiving Grants
Twelve Delhi University colleges, fully dependent on the Delhi government for their funding, are beneficiaries of this financial assistance. These institutions form a vital part of the higher education landscape in the National Capital Territory. They cater to thousands of students enrolled in diverse undergraduate and postgraduate programs under the University of Delhi.
The list of colleges explicitly mentioned as recipients includes:
- Acharya Narendra Dev College
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College
- Maharaja Agrasen College
- Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women
- Aditi Mahavidyalaya
Other colleges, part of the dozen receiving funds, were not individually named in the official communication.
Grant Disbursement Schedule and Historical Context
This latest fund release marks the third instance of grants-in-aid provided during the 2024-25 financial year. The first installment was released in April. The second followed in July. This consistent, though sometimes delayed, pattern highlights the government’s ongoing obligation.
Officials from the DHE stated that efforts have been made to streamline the funding process. This initiative directly addresses past criticisms and numerous protests by college staff and faculty. Historically, unpredictable and delayed salary payments caused hardship. The government aims to build a more reliable financial support system to prevent recurrence.
Teachers Welcome Funds, Urge Fixed Calendar
Teachers’ associations expressed appreciation for the immediate relief provided by the funds. This was particularly welcomed given the impending festive season and the academic pressure of examinations. While acknowledging the positive impact, they collectively emphasized that short-term relief does not resolve systemic issues.
Teachers pointed out that the current approach still leaves uncertainty regarding future payments. Their central demand is the implementation of a transparent and fixed calendar for the release of all grants. This would remove the need for constant follow-ups and ensure staff do not face recurrent payment anxieties. A faculty member from an east Delhi college stated, “Salaries should not be dependent on repeated reminders or crisis situations.” This sentiment reflects widespread concern among college employees.
Government Pledges Regular Support
In response to these concerns and to ensure long-term stability, the Directorate of Higher Education has reiterated its unwavering commitment to providing regular and consistent financial assistance. Furthermore, the DHE stated its intention to foster improved coordination with the central administration of the University of Delhi.
This collaborative approach aims to facilitate smoother fund flow and more efficient management of college finances. It ultimately benefits students and staff alike. The DHE’s directive for colleges to promptly submit spending details reinforces their accountability. It also helps monitor the effective utilization of public funds.