Monday 22 May 2017

Any one get Mumbai University Convocation Hall for a Haldi-Kunku & Satyanarayan pooja

The Vice Chancellor of University of Mumbai Dr Sanjay Deshmukh cannot keep himself out of controversies. He's at it again, Deshmukh has been lending the historical monument of Convocation Hall for Company Annual Meets, Haldi-Kunku Ceremony and even Satyanarayan pooja. Quite a few of these have been given out completely free, As per his whims & fancies, RTI Anil Galgali found out.

Anil Galgali's  RTI inquiry revealed, During last 16 months the Convocation Hall has been given out on 61 occasions. 23 times out these completely free, Without charging a single penny.On each of these events, The Vice Chancellor used his special powers to completely waive off the rental charges.

Even in the 38 occasions, When rent was charged no fee structure or uniformity was seen. With different charges, varying from event to event. The convocation hall was given free to a few departments of the University, While others had to pay for use of their own resource. Among the people who were doled out the Roman Gothic architectural marvel hall for free included- Observer Research Foundation, Zee 24 Tass, Sydhenham Institute, Snehalay, Water Conservation Minister Girish Mahajan, Satish Naik, Jamanalal Bajaj Institute, All India Council for Technical Education & Social Welfare Department.

During 21 August 2015 to 20 December 2016 , Mumbai University permit 38 Program out of 61. During these 16 months, Total rent of Rs 10,82,150/- was collected as rent from Convocation Hall. Barely managing to cover Rs 70,000/- expenses per month required for upkeep of the Hall. Rs 37,850 loss face by Mumbai University during last 16 Months.  

Anil Galgali has written to the Governor of Maharashtra, Who is also the Chancellor of the University, requesting him to formulate proper rules for giving out the convocation hall to outside parties. Rather than relying on whims & fancies of an individual, this rent should be decided after comparison with other halls in the vicinity. Even when this hall is given out for social & administrative purposes, Electricity & cleanliness fee must be charged, Galgali suggested. 

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