Shock for Manipal University, Udupi district administration slaps Rs 1,123 crore fine for land misuse
Udupi: In a huge blow for Manipal University, the Udupi district administration has slapped a fine of Rs 1,123 crore on the varsity for allegedly misusing land granted by the government.
Udupi deputy commissioner Dr Vishal R told reporters that the fine of Rs 1,123 crore was three times the value of the 109 acres of land and was imposed after finding that the land provided by the government for educational purposes was not used for this. According to the notice Manipal University has received 266.27 acres of land from the government for educational purpose of which 55.19 acres of land has fulfilled the grant condition.
The issue related to 102.97 acres is pending in the court and now the authorities have found that 109.38 acres land has not been used for education purpose (as per the grand condition) and thus district administration has imposed thrice the value of market rate of the land as fine and issued notice.
It is alleged that the land was used to construct a multistoried hostel for NRI students near the pharmacy college. There were allegations that the land came under the green belt and construction of a building was a violation of the norms.
Manipal University has been given one month time to reply top the notice issued to it and pay the fine failing which the administration could demolish the building or seize the land in question. Meanwhile, Manipal University registrar Dr G.K. Prabhu in a press statement said: “Every piece of land has been used for the purpose of education. We will seek clarification from the department as it has been brought to our notice only today. The buildings existing in the property are all authorised constructions. We have sought permission and obtained license from the authority for the constructions. All the buildings are constructed legally by obtaining Commencement Certificate, License, we even have the Occupancy Certificate and door numbers from the Municipality” he said.
