AASU president Utpal Sarma says infrastructure development is welcome but questions spending Rs 2.08 crore on a VIP dining room, kitchen and staff quarters when Gauhati University is facing financial constraints
Guwahati: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) has questioned Gauhati University’s decision to spend Rs 2.08 crore on constructing a VIP dining room, kitchen and staff quarters, arguing that the expenditure comes at a time when the university is facing financial constraints.
AASU president Utpal Sarma shared the project’s tender notice on X, stating that the contract has already been awarded. According to the tender, the work involves the construction of a Guest House VIP Dining Room, Kitchen and Staff Quarters at an estimated cost of Rs 2.08 crore.
Clarifying AASU’s position, Sarma said the student body is not opposed to infrastructure development. He maintained that even significantly larger investments would be acceptable if the university had sufficient funds to meet its academic requirements.
“I too desire the development of infrastructure at Gauhati University. There would be no objection even if Rs 10 crore were spent to build the world’s best infrastructure, provided that there is no shortage of funds for expenditures on other academic activities of the university,” he said.
However, Sarma described it as “unfortunate” that a university already grappling with financial difficulties is prioritising a guest house kitchen and VIP dining hall over academic needs. He added that the matter has been brought to the attention of the Assam Education Department and urged the government to examine the expenditure.
Also Read: Old Saraighat Bridge to Shut for Two Months: All Traffic Diverted to New Bridge
