Patiala, July 20 -- Under a huge financial burden, Punjabi University, Patiala, is struggling to cope with a massive Rs.144.15-crore loan, which demands an annual interest payment of Rs.14 crore. The university has already paid a staggering Rs.136 crore in interest since the financial year 2015-16, according to the institution's financial data. Acknowledging the challenges, newly appointed vice-chancellor (VC), Dr Jagdeep Singh, expressed his concerns over the university's financial situation while also appreciating the Punjab government's decision to increase the monthly grant in a bid to ease the financial crisis. In 2023, chief minister Bhagwant Mann raised the monthly grant to the university from Rs.9.5 crore to Rs.30 crore, in an effort to help the university regain its financial stability. Despite the increased grant, the VC said though the support was beneficial, more was required to fully restore the financial health of the institution. "We are exploring multiple strategies at both the governmental and institutional levels to reduce our financial dependency, control expenditures and generate new revenue streams," he said. The university's debt has shown a sharp rise over the years - from Rs.44 crore in 2015-16 to Rs.144.15 crore in 2025-26 - the latest financial data reveals. The VC said that clearing this debt would result in savings of Rs.14 crore annually, which could be redirected towards improving academic and infrastructural development. "We need to address issues related to infrastructure and faculty recruitment. If we can eliminate this annual debt burden, we will have resources to enhance the overall quality of education at the university," the VC said. Punjabi University's total expenditure for the financial year 2024-25 stands at Rs.703.16 crore, while its own income amounts to only Rs.229 crore. The Punjab government's contribution of Rs.375 crore annually is reflected in the revised budget estimates. Secretary general of the Punjabi University Retired Teachers' Association Jagbir Singh said: "We recently held a conference to discuss the financial status with the VC. Our key recommendation is for the university to stop pilferage of funds and explore new and diverse financial avenues." He stressed the need for the Punjab government to waive the university's debt....