BGSBU procures library books in violation of set norms

Srinagar, Feb 21: In a startling revelation, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) has procured the books for the library in violation of the prescribed rules.
It has come to fore that the University has purchased books for the library without including a representative of the Finance wing in the committee “in violation of the provisions contained in university statues.”
As per the official documents available, it has been revealed that the prescribed procedure for approval of claims of different firms supplying books has also been violated as the approval was not vetted from the finance wing to have a pre audit in respect of budgetary provisions and statutory deductions.
“The approval of claims of different firms supplying books has also been violated as the file was submitted by the Librarian to the Registrar and then to the Vice Chancellor (VC) without getting it vetted from the finance wing,” the official documents reveal.
The official documents reveal that the physical verification of books at the end of the academic sessions in different departments has not been conducted in the University till date.
“With the result, any loss or theft of the books has not been established and responsibility of loss if any also has not been established as well,” the official documents reveal.
Notably, as per rule 2-of-chapter-VII of University calendar which inter alia relates with the purchase of library books, the indent for purchase of textbooks, reference books, research journal and books of journal nature shall be prepared by the Heads of different departments in order of priority.
“The books selected for the purchase shall be recommended by a committee consisting of the Librarian, Registrar and Finance Officer for approval of the Vice Chancellor,” the document reads.
As per the rules, the Librarian is supposed to obtain rates, terms and conditions for supply of books and other reading material from various booksellers and publishers in the Country and abroad.
The officer, as per rules, shall prepare a comparative statement for the rates and terms offered and get these approved by the Vice Chancellor for use in the financial year.
“During the perusal of the records pertaining to the purchase of books for the period 2015-16 to 2019-20, it has been noticed that the University authorities invited tenders for supply of books after getting the indent and requirement of books from the different Departments which were opened by the committee constituted for the purpose by the University authority comprising of members including Dean of Academic Affairs, Dean of other Schools, HODs,” it reads. (KNO)