The Delhi government has released a total of ₹132 crore to 12 colleges that come under Delhi University. These colleges are fully funded by the Delhi government, meaning the government is responsible for most of their expenses. The money will help cover important costs, especially staff salaries, electricity bills, and maintenance work. This payment is the third one for the current financial year (2024-25) and is especially timed to ensure college staff receive their salaries before the important Diwali festival.
Breaking Down the Funds
The total amount of ₹132 crore has been divided and given out for different purposes:
- ₹108 crore: This larger part of the money is for 'grants-in-aid'. This term means it is regular financial support that the government provides to help colleges operate daily. This covers recurring costs like general administration and academic activities.
- ₹24 crore: This additional amount is specifically for urgent needs. It will cover critical costs like outstanding electricity bills, necessary building maintenance, buying new lab equipment, and paying any pending salaries to staff members. This emergency fund also helps with expenses related to pre-exam activities, ensuring students have what they need for their tests.
A senior official from the Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) clearly stated that releasing these funds quickly was a top priority. The main goal was to make sure that salary payments are processed and completed for all college employees before the upcoming Diwali holidays. Colleges have been asked to pay salaries first and then submit detailed reports on how they spent the money as soon as possible.
Colleges Benefiting from the Aid
The funds have been sent to 12 Delhi University colleges. These institutions rely heavily on government support to continue their educational work. Some of the well-known colleges that are among the recipients include:
- Acharya Narendra Dev College
- Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College
- Maharaja Agrasen College
- Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women
- Aditi Mahavidyalaya
- And seven other important colleges affiliated with Delhi University.
Steps to Avoid Past Salary Delays
This is not the first time the colleges are receiving funds this financial year. This is the third round of funding for the financial year 2024-25. The first set of funds was given in April , and the second installment followed in July . Government officials have explained that they have improved the funding process to make it simpler and faster. This new approach aims to prevent the salary delays that have caused problems and protests in the past. When salaries are delayed, it can create stress for teachers and other staff, affecting the smooth running of the colleges.
Teachers Welcome the Move, Seek Fixed Schedule
Associations representing college teachers have expressed their appreciation for the Delhi government's decision to release the funds. They are particularly happy that the money has arrived before the upcoming exams, as it helps create a more stable environment for both staff and students. However, while welcoming the immediate relief, they have also urged the government to set up a clear and fixed calendar for releasing funds in the future.
A teacher from a college in East Delhi shared their view: "We are thankful that the funds came before exams, which is a big relief. But the uncertainty about future payments still remains. We believe that salaries should always be paid on time and should not depend on us reminding the government to release funds. A predictable schedule would greatly help staff plan their finances."
Government's Promise for Continuous Support
The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing regular financial support to these government-funded colleges. They also aim to work in better coordination with the University of Delhi. This improved teamwork is expected to ensure that colleges receive their necessary funds without delays, helping them to focus on providing quality education and managing their operations effectively.
