Institute of Chemical Technology Faces Scrutiny Over Irregularities and Plans to Relinquish Deemed Status
ICT plans to drop deemed status; CAG report points to lapses
Hindustan Times
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The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) in Matunga, Mumbai, is under scrutiny due to a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report highlighting irregularities in tendering, construction delays, and financial mismanagement. The institute plans to drop its deemed-to-be-university status to improve funding access amid these challenges.
- 01The CAG report reveals significant irregularities at ICT, including construction delays and blocked funding.
- 02ICT plans to relinquish its deemed status to access more funding for projects.
- 03Construction of the DAE-UICT Centre has faced a 17-year delay, resulting in ₹46.31 crore being blocked.
- 04Tendering procedures were violated, leading to increased project costs and delays.
- 05The ICT administration claims to be addressing issues and improving compliance with regulations.
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The Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) in Matunga, Mumbai, is facing serious scrutiny following a recent report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that outlines various irregularities, including lapses in tendering procedures, significant construction delays, and financial mismanagement. The CAG report covers the period from 2020 to 2025 and describes the institute's approach as 'lackadaisical,' particularly in relation to the long-delayed DAE-UICT Centre for Chemical Engineering and Research. This project has been stalled for over 17 years, resulting in ₹46.31 crore (approximately $5.6 million USD) in funding being blocked due to failures in following proper tendering processes. As a response to these issues, ICT plans to relinquish its deemed-to-be-university status, which it claims limits access to crucial funding. The report also highlights similar discrepancies at ICT's Jalna campus, where construction has not proceeded as planned, and tenders were improperly issued. ICT's vice-chancellor, Aniruddha Pandit, stated that the institute is working to address these issues and is in the process of obtaining necessary permissions to expedite project completion. Despite the challenges, Pandit assures that construction has resumed following proper procedures.
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The irregularities and delays at ICT could affect students and faculty by limiting research opportunities and delaying project completions.
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