Jadavpur University’s Energy Austerity: A Call for Conservation Amidst Financial Strain

Because the institution is "passing through serious financial constraints," Jadavpur institution's vice-chancellor has made an appeal to all staff members—teachers, administrators, and non-teaching personnel—to reduce their energy use.

According to Interim VC Bhaskar Gupta's written request, "we can save about Rs 80 lakh per year if we plan properly." I kindly ask everyone of you to take the necessary actions at the unit level to save energy and save money, as we are currently facing severe financial and energy shortages on campus.

According to the VC, the institution pays electricity bills of Rs 50 lakh per month during the summer, and the indiscriminate use of power is to blame for the skyrocketing costs.

The appeal states, "While I believe this misuse is not deliberate, but shows a sign of carelessness."

The VC said in the appeal that an advisory group on electrical infrastructure had noted in its report that equipment such as air conditioners, fans, and lights were discovered to be running even when no one was in the area.

This may potentially make up as much as 10 to 12 percent of our overall energy use, according to estimates. The appeal claims that there is once more a noticeable, significant increase in the cost.

JU established a second committee in September 2022 to investigate the "huge gap" in its revenue and spending and recommend ways to close the gap. The committee found that one of the main causes of the rapidly increasing expenditure was electricity costs.

"We are concerned about the indiscriminate use of power, especially considering the significant financial constraints the university is facing," VC Gupta stated in an interview with The Telegraph. It would be significant even if we could save Rs 80 lakh a month by using electricity wisely. The same strategy that we use sparingly at home should be applied on college.

He said that doing this will lessen the energy impact.

This publication has reported on many times that the institution is facing financial difficulties as a result of the state and federal governments' diminishing funding.

"This will help us to reduce the energy footprints of our university, showing our concern for the environment," the venture capitalist wrote in his request.

According to a committee member appointed in September 2022, there have been occasions when some instructors and administrators have forgotten to turn off the air conditioners, lights, and fans when they leave a room.

He said, "At a time when the university is reeling from a funding crunch, we cannot afford to be careless."

"We need to reduce expenses by making prudent and wise use of the facilities. The administration of the institution must display posters to raise awareness of this among all students.

On September 18, 2022, this publication published an article citing concerns raised by a panel appointed by the university's financial committee over "the precarious fund situation and acute shortage of money."

The severe financial crisis that Jadavpur University is experiencing has made the school more and more appealing to alums for financial assistance.

According to a JU official, the university is concentrating on finding ways to reduce expenses rather than increasing tuition, which has remained constant since 2000.