Tight-fisted UGC spells trouble for N Bengal.

(From The Statesman (India))

SILIGURI, March 23. - Students in North Bengal have very little to cheer about these days. Thanks to the UGC's "step-motherly" attitude towards the region, most colleges are on the verge of collapse. According to sources, colleges are finding it difficult to introduce new courses owing to a funds crunch. This has compelled most students to leave the region for better education. According to a Central government directive, the UGC is supposed to provide financial assistance of at least Rs 18 lakh during every plan period to colleges with a student strength of less than 3,000. Although most colleges in the region fall in this category, they …