In 2018, Gujarat University launched a Higher Payment Program (HPP) in 32 courses to boost the intake of students and generate revenue from the initiative. Under the revenue-sharing program, the concerned department was to deposit 30% of the total fee collected under HPP with the university. The rest 70% is retained by the HPP conductor and goes towards salaries of the faculty and operational cost.
For 2021, however, the HPP course conductors deposited only 50% of the dues with the varsity. In a bid to recover the same, GU undertook a drive to recover the dues. As such, nearly Rs 1.54 crores has been regained.
Those aware about the development said it was after a special drive and special circular that the course conductors hastily deposited Rs 1.54 crore pending amount with the varsity for the financial year 2021-22. This has brought the varsity’s income through HPP to Rs 3.37 crore for 2021-22.
The HPP programme was launched five years ago. Executive Council (EC) member Shaktisinh Chanchu, who spotted the anomaly and ensured a circular was issued, stated: “A special circular was issued in September 2022 directing HPP coordinators to deposit the money with the varsity as per the norms. Till then no attention was being paid to recover the money due to the varsity, this dealing a severe blow to its income.”
After the circular, the HPP coordinators deposited Rs 1.54 crore in just two-and-a-half months, fearing action.
Chanchu said he has appealed to the varsity to repeat the process for collection of pending dues for 2022-23. He further said the HPP program should not become lucrative for vested interests while hurting the varsity finances.
Registrar Piyush Patel did not share his comment on the issue of HPP not depositing 30% share with the university.
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