NSUI locks Gujarat University VC office, protests against alleged corruption in top brass
Over 300 student leaders and members of the National Students’ Union of India staged a protest outside the office of Neerja Gupta, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University, who is on an overseas trip, and without assigning charge to anyone in his absence.In a charged protest, the student union sealed the office with an additional lock.Why are students protesting?The agitation was triggered by allegations that a government-nominated member of the university’s executive body had demanded ₹75 lakh from a department head, along with broader corruption concerns. On Thursday, NSUI activists stormed the VC’s lobby and demanded that an FIR be filed.After the Gujarat government implemented the Common Act for 11 state universities, instead of improving, the administration at Gujarat University — the oldest among them — has been deteriorating day by day. From pending recruitments, grant-related irregularities, and the misuse of funds worth crores on facilities like the now-closed sports complex, to rising corruption scandals, the situation has worsened.Six months ago, the government appointed four members to the university's executive council. One of them, Shwetal Sutariya, has been accused of demanding ₹75 lakh from the Director of HRDC. Over these allegations and corruption complaints, NSUI again staged a major protest inside the university premises today.With the VC abroad and having left no one in charge, NSUI workers in large numbers locked the already shut VC office with chains. When NSUI student leaders entered the VC lobby, no responsible authority was present — the Registrar was also absent, having already left.Tensions escalated between the police and NSUI activists, with police attempting to push them out and making several arrests.Even before the controversy over one government EC member could be resolved, another government-nominated EC member has faced complaints of securing a contract for sports facilities worth crores.
Over 300 student leaders and members of the National Students’ Union of India staged a protest outside the office of Neerja Gupta, Vice Chancellor of Gujarat University, who is on an overseas trip, and without assigning charge to anyone in his absence.
In a charged protest, the student union sealed the office with an additional lock.
Why are students protesting?
The agitation was triggered by allegations that a government-nominated member of the university’s executive body had demanded ₹75 lakh from a department head, along with broader corruption concerns. On Thursday, NSUI activists stormed the VC’s lobby and demanded that an FIR be filed.
After the Gujarat government implemented the Common Act for 11 state universities, instead of improving, the administration at Gujarat University — the oldest among them — has been deteriorating day by day. From pending recruitments, grant-related irregularities, and the misuse of funds worth crores on facilities like the now-closed sports complex, to rising corruption scandals, the situation has worsened.
Six months ago, the government appointed four members to the university's executive council. One of them, Shwetal Sutariya, has been accused of demanding ₹75 lakh from the Director of HRDC. Over these allegations and corruption complaints, NSUI again staged a major protest inside the university premises today.
With the VC abroad and having left no one in charge, NSUI workers in large numbers locked the already shut VC office with chains. When NSUI student leaders entered the VC lobby, no responsible authority was present — the Registrar was also absent, having already left.
Tensions escalated between the police and NSUI activists, with police attempting to push them out and making several arrests.
Even before the controversy over one government EC member could be resolved, another government-nominated EC member has faced complaints of securing a contract for sports facilities worth crores.
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