HYDERABAD: The University Grants Commission (UGC) instructions to all higher education institutions across the country to go for digital transactions has received varied reactions from the universities in Hyderabad. In an official Circular, the commission directed authorities of all universities across the country to take measures to stop cash transactions on the campuses.
Finance Officer at University of Hyderabad (UoH) MB Gunasekaran agreed that it is a welcome step but the varsity will have to work hard towards setting up a system to carry all transactions online.
“We have been carrying most of our transactions in cash. We don’t have a system where all our accounts are maintained on computer. Our finance department still carries a lot of paperwork and we maintain a register too. It will take our staff some time to get used to this change. We will have to carry a session to make our officials understand how a system, which expects us to go cashless, will run,” he said.
The circular has asked the varsity heads to communicate the direction to the colleges affiliated to them. The universities have also been asked by the commission to organise Vittiya Saksharata Abhiyan campaign on the campuses to create awareness among students. Gunasekharan also said that the administration plans to mobilise the students to spread awareness on the same.
Osmania University Registrar Gopal Reddy emphasised on the fact that the university is ready to implement the decision. “Most of the transactions we carry in our university are either done online or through demand drafts. We are thinking of implementing the decision taken by the commission. We have already implemented this step in our exam branch. Hence, I believe, we will not face major challenges. We see it as a welcome decision and look forward to go cashless,” he said.
“Participation in the campaign by the youth in higher educational institutions is highly relevant because they would be the main beneficiaries in creating a digital economy free of corruption and black money. It is therefore essential that the heads of all institutions educate and train their volunteers in large numbers for this campaign,” the circular adds.
JNTU Registrar N Yadaiah said, “The varsity has always been in favour of accepting demand drafts. Our offices are quite equipped to implement this change as we have been used to carrying online transactions. JNTU supports this move.”