Audit reveals 250 crore embezzlement at WB University of Technology amid widespread corruption

An audit report from the West Bengal University of Technology (WBUT) has uncovered significant financial irregularities, including the embezzlement of approximately 250 crore rupees over a five-year period from 2018 to 2023. The audit findings detail multiple instances of misconduct, spanning salary overpayments, unauthorized staff appointments, and violations of recruitment procedures. The report outlines several key areas of concern that point to widespread corruption and lack of oversight within the institution.

One of the primary issues identified is the overpayment of salaries, where several crore rupees were misappropriated by paying employees above their designated salary grades. The audit highlights that this practice affected a significant portion of the workforce, resulting in inflated payroll expenses. Additionally, the report reveals that several positions were created and staff members were hired without the proper approvals from the staff committee, raising concerns about unauthorized recruitment and potential nepotism.

The audit also points to irregularities in the hiring process for Group D employees, with many hired beyond the prescribed salary limits for such positions. It was found that the number of Group D employees hired exceeded the limit, and many received salaries that were disproportionately high compared to the approved pay scales. The university also failed to maintain the required number of permanent faculty members, with half of the necessary positions remaining unfilled during the audit period.

Further findings in the audit include the appointment of private sector individuals to advisory roles within the university, despite the lack of any formal advertisement or recruitment process. This led to the allocation of substantial funds for their salaries. Additionally, several promotional contracts worth millions of rupees were awarded without a tender process, raising concerns over the transparency and legitimacy of these expenditures.

University Vice Chancellor Tapas Chakraborty acknowledged the audit’s findings, confirming that the issues outlined span the financial years 2018-2019 to 2022-2023. Chakraborty noted that the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had identified significant irregularities, with an estimated 400 crore rupees potentially being misappropriated. However, he clarified that the final CAG report has not yet been received, and stated that a thorough investigation is needed to address the allegations and assess the full extent of the financial misconduct.