TIRUCHY: The Students Federation of India (SFI) has sought a detailed audit and report on the utilisation of funds collected through Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) at Thanthai Periyar Government Arts and Science College in Tiruchy.
In a petition submitted to the Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education, K Radhakrishnan, on Thursday, the student body alleged that amounts collected from first-year students under the PTA are not being utilised transparently or effectively.
According to college administration sources, Rs 1,000 is collected from each first-year undergraduate (UG) student and `1,200 from each first-year postgraduate (PG) student annually.
Raising concerns over fund utilisation, SFI district secretary J Surya said approximately 2,000 students enrol in first-year UG and PG courses each year. “This means more than `20 lakh is collected annually. However, we do not see corresponding improvements in infrastructure or facilities. Basic amenities such as clean toilets and a well-maintained campus are still lacking,” he said.
Surya added that the organisation has submitted the petition to the Regional Joint Director, seeking a comprehensive report on how the funds were utilised over the past year.
Responding to the allegations, a senior administrator from the college said PTA funds are primarily used to address staff shortage. “We appoint PTA-funded teaching staff when there are vacancies. At present, 23 such teachers are working in the college in various roles and are paid around `9,000 per month.
The funds are also utilised for campus maintenance and for paying wages to additional sanitation workers and watchmen,” the administrator said. The administrator further added that a portion of the funds is also allocated for minor infrastructure repairs and maintenance.
A senior official from the Higher Education Department confirmed that the petition has been received and will be examined. “A detailed report from the college PTA committee regarding fund utilisation will be soon obtained and examined,” the official said.
The PTA committee typically comprises the college principal as president, a parent representative, a professor serving as secretary, and another faculty member acting as treasurer.
Officials maintained that the funds are collected and utilised following proper procedures and necessary approvals. Further action is expected after the review of the submitted report, the official added.
