Nipjyoti Kalita || Naharlagun, July 13: An Arunachal Pradesh-based social activist, Payi Gyadi, has petitioned Rashtrapati Bhavan in the last week to order an inquiry into the alleged misuse of over ₹800 crore in the construction of the National Institute of Technology (NIT) near Itanagar, the state’s capital. Gyadi has raised concerns about the utilization of funds and the quality of infrastructure at the esteemed institution. He has called for a thorough investigation into the matter, blacklisting of the construction firm involved, and action against officials implicated in the alleged misconduct.
In his letter to the Secretary to the President of India, Gyadi provided a copy of the first information report he filed with the State police’s Special Investigation Cell. The complaint seeks an investigation into potential criminal conspiracies related to fraudulent practices in executing infrastructure projects at the NIT Arunachal Pradesh.
Gyadi claims that despite an initial sanction of ₹800 crore in 2012 for the NIT’s construction at Jote, the work remains incomplete. He alleges that the funds allocated were misused, leading to inadequate infrastructure and ill-equipped laboratories at the institute. Furthermore, he asserts that the residential quarters and hostels are unsuitable for habitation, resulting in several teachers leaving the campus due to unfavorable living conditions.
In response to the allegations made by Payi Gyadi, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Arunachal Pradesh has issued a statement categorically denying the accusations. The institute asserts that Gyadi’s claims are false, fabricated, and malicious in nature, aiming to defame the reputation of the institute.
According to the NIT Arunachal Pradesh, the construction of the permanent campus at Jote began in 2013 and was carried out by various government organizations. The institute states that the total value of the projects, including architectural fees, was Rs. 665.19 crores. However, due to a shortage of funds, the construction work was temporarily halted at the end of 2016.
The institute explains that it prepared a revised cost estimate of Rs. 676.74 crores and received approval from the Ministry of Education (MoE) in March 2020. Some projects, such as the construction of a boys’ hostel and certain academic blocks, were foreclosed based on the instructions of the MoE and subsequent approvals from the Building & Works Committee (BWC) and Board of Governors (BoG) of the institute.
Additionally, the NIT Arunachal Pradesh highlights the challenges faced during the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in 2017, which caused time overruns and issues related to cost escalation. The institute also mentions the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on project progress.
The institute firmly asserts that after shifting to its permanent campus in August 2021, all academic classes, laboratories, and hostels are fully functional. It maintains that the classrooms and laboratories are well-equipped, and necessary facilities, including WiFi connectivity, are available. The institute also highlights its successful placement record, with placement percentages of 82% in 2023 and 78% in 2022. The NIT Arunachal Pradesh further emphasizes the initiation of various services within the campus for the benefit of students and the local community.
The NIT Arunachal Pradesh concludes by stating that the allegations made by Payi Gyadi lack valid proof and are detrimental to the institute’s reputation. The institute expresses concern that such baseless accusations may negatively impact its future as a nationally important educational institution.
