Jagannath University has announced a budget of Tk201 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25, with the University Grants Commission (UGC) allocating only Tk4 crore for research.
Out of this, Tk1 crore is especifically earmarked for PhD research by university faculty and students.
This research allocation represents just 2.46% of the main budget, which concerned parties deem insufficient for the university's needs.
Professor Dr Humayun Kabir Chowdhury, the university treasurer, presented the operational and development budget at the 96th syndicate meeting on Thursday.
The budget was recommended at the finance committee meeting of Jagannath University held on June 24.
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Furthermore, in the fiscal year 2023-24, the revised deficit budget allocation was Tk187 crore. This year's proposed budget has increased by Tk14 crore.
The deficit budget amounts to Tk37.76 crore. Out of the proposed Tk201 crore, the total allocation from the UGC is Tk163.24 crore.
An analysis of the budget reveals that the majority of the proposed Tk201 crore will be spent on salaries and allowances for the university's teachers, officers, and staff.
A total of Tk115.63 crore, which is 71% of the main budget, will be allocated for this purpose.
Additionally, Tk2.70 crore will be spent on fuel costs, compared to the Tk2.50 crore allocated last year. The expenditure limit set by the UGC for fuel costs was Tk2.70 crore.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, the allocation for primary health services for the university's teachers, officers, staff, and students was only Tk7 lakh.
This year, the allocation has increased by Tk3 lakh, bringing the total to just Tk10 lakh.
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Additionally, the allocation for the physical fitness centre and sports is Tk25 lakh, compared to Tk20 lakh last year.
The budget for fieldwork and educational tours has increased by Tk3 lakh, making the total allocation Tk15 lakh this year.
Meanwhile, the allocation for events and festivals is Tk35 lakh.
While talking to university teachers, it was found that they believe additional funding is necessary to further enrich the research sector in the budget.
In this regard, professor Dr Anwar Hossain, director of the Research Cell, said: "Our demand for research funding from the UGC was much higher. However, the allocation we received is relatively low. It is a minimal amount."
Dr Mohsin Reza, the university's Finance Director, said: "This year's budget has exceeded Tk200 crore. However, compared to our demands, especially in research and other areas, the allocation falls short."
Professor Dr Humayun Kabir Chowdhury, the university's treasurer, said: "We have attempted to justify our budget based on the allocation from the UGC. The proposed budget is distributed across various categories, not just research. However, allocations have decreased in other areas as well, reflecting the university's values and needs. We are striving to balance everything accordingly."
Professor Dr Sadeka Halim, the vice chancellor of the university, said: "The budget has seen an increase in allocations based on specific categories. We had higher expectations, but we have managed to balance them. Consideration has also been given to enhancing opportunities and facilities for students, with an increased allocation in their domain."
