4 days ago
Retired High Court Judge to Probe Gujarat University Allegations
Gujarat University has asked a retired judge to investigate complaints about its former vice chancellor, Neerja Gupta.
The complaints involve hiring decisions, money, and alleged misuse of authority.
Student groups NSUI and ABVP made several of the allegations.
They said some temporary workers were hired with unusually high salaries.
The university earlier suspended 10 temporary employees while it examined the complaints.
The university says the suspensions were meant to protect documents and keep the investigation fair.
Neerja Gupta or her representatives have not sent the university a formal written response, according to the in-charge vice chancellor.
The retired judge is expected to begin the inquiry next week.
Further action will depend on the judge’s findings and legal advice.
Gujarat University appointed retired High Court judge DM Vyas to lead a single-member inquiry.
The investigation will examine alleged irregular appointments, financial misconduct, fund embezzlement and misuse of authority.
Student groups NSUI and ABVP accused former Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta of financial wrongdoing.
The university previously suspended 10 temporary employees pending a fact-finding investigation.
In-charge Vice Chancellor Jagdish Joshi said proceedings are expected to begin next week.
- Who
- Gujarat University, former Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta, retired High Court judge DM Vyas, and student groups NSUI and ABVP.
- What
- The university formed a single-member committee to investigate alleged financial and administrative irregularities during Gupta’s tenure.
- Where
- Gujarat University in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
- When
- Announced on August 29; inquiry proceedings are expected to begin the following week.
- Why
- The inquiry was established to examine complaints about appointments, finances, alleged fund misuse, and misuse of authority.
Student Groups’ Allegations
University’s Procedural Response
Financial and administrative conduct
Student Groups’ Allegations
NSUI and ABVP accused former Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta of financial misconduct, misuse of a Central grant, and causing financial losses through high salaries for temporary employees.
University’s Procedural Response
The university has not determined final responsibility and has appointed a retired judge to examine the allegations before deciding further action.
Temporary employee suspensions
Student Groups’ Allegations
ABVP alleged that Gupta appointed certain temporary employees and paid them excessively high salaries, causing financial loss to the university.
University’s Procedural Response
Jagdish Joshi said 10 employees were suspended to ensure a transparent investigation and prevent tampering with documents; he said precautions were taken to secure evidence.
Public responses by the accused
Student Groups’ Allegations
The accused reportedly offered explanations through social media platforms.
University’s Procedural Response
Joshi said the university had received no formal written communication from the accused or their representatives, while acknowledging their right to post independently on social media.
Key facts
- Inquiry chair
- Retired High Court judge DM Vyas
- University official
- In-charge Vice Chancellor Jagdish Joshi
- Allegations
- Irregular appointments, financial misconduct, embezzlement, and misuse of authority
- Student groups involved
- National Students’ Union of India and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad
- Earlier action
- Ten temporary employees were suspended after an initial fact-finding report
- Next step
- Inquiry proceedings are expected to commence next week
- Further action
- The university will act based on the inquiry’s recommendations and legal advice
Quotes
Jagdish Joshi
In-charge Vice-Chancellor of Gujarat University
“When a retired High Court judge conducts an inquiry, further actions will be taken based on the recommendations made after their investigation.”
theprint.in
“The individuals were suspended specifically to ensure a transparent investigation and to prevent any tampering with documents.”
theprint.in
Sources
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