Sat Apr 19 12:19:04 UTC 2025: ## Madras University Syndicate Demands Inquiry into Equipment Purchase Irregularities
**Chennai, April 19, 2025** – Syndicate members of the University of Madras have demanded a full investigation into alleged irregularities surrounding the purchase of equipment for the Dr. MGR Centre for Social Research. The call follows a 2024 inquiry into furniture purchases that, according to syndicate members, failed to hold the main culprit accountable.
The initial inquiry, conducted by a government-appointed committee, found violations in the furniture procurement process. Furniture was purchased from a private company instead of the public sector unit TANSI, based on the oral instructions of the centre’s then-coordinator, S.S. Sundaram, who is now the head of the Indian History Department and a syndicate member. The committee criticized the Works Department for preparing estimates without a written request.
Despite the Works Department’s statement that Dr. Sundaram was present and provided oral instructions, the inquiry report notably omitted him, prompting accusations of a cover-up. Syndicate members have demanded a sub-committee review the findings, identify all those involved, and investigate potential malfeasance and financial gains. The centre, established in 2021 with a ₹5 crore grant, also faced an audit in 2022 that revealed rule violations in equipment and furniture purchases. This latest demand comes amidst recent budget cuts imposed on the university by its finance committee.
First Piper 