Patiala: Punjabi University has increased its budget allocation for the development and promotion of the Punjabi language from Rs 16 crore to Rs 20 crore for the upcoming financial year. The decision was finalised during the University Finance Committee meeting held in Patiala on Wednesday, where a deficit budget of Rs 125 crore was passed for the 2026-27 session.Vice-chancellor Jagdeep Singh said for the 2026-27 fiscal year, the university has estimated a total income of Rs 631 crore, comprising Punjab govt grants and internal resources, against an expenditure of Rs 756 crore. He emphasised that 43.40% of the total budget has been dedicated to teaching, research, educational reforms, and Punjabi language development.He said Rs 75 lakh has been reserved for a new initiative ‘Vice-Chancellor Conference Series’, which aims to make teaching and research activities across all departments more constructive, providing immense benefits to both faculty and students.He added that Rs 15 lakh has been set aside as travel grants for teachers to participate in academic seminars and conferences within India and abroad. For infrastructure and security, Rs 3 crore has been reserved for campus maintenance and repairs; Rs 30 lakh for ‘Zero Waste’ initiatives; Rs 25 lakh for CCTV camera installations, alongside a special budget to increase security personnel.To promote sports culture, the diet money for athletes has been increased to match or exceed other state universities, with a dedicated Rs 2 crore fund, he said.He added that the university had already cleared 20% of past pending liabilities in addition to current payments. Steps were being taken to clear the remaining arrears to ensure the branch operated seamlessly.The construction of new hostels remained a priority for the upcoming year. VC Jagdeep Singh confirmed that grants for two new hostels, one for boys and one for girls, for OBC students were approved by the central govt. The foundation stone-laying ceremony would take place soon, he said, adding that to improve student lifestyle, the budget included provisions to open gyms within the university hostels.The VC thaked the Punjab govt for the existing salary grants while appealing to the representatives of the finance and higher education departments to increase the grant for 2026-27 to support the university’s growth.MSID:: 129800949 413 |
