Gujarat University Invites Public Complaints in Probe Against Former VC Neerja Gupta

Gujarat University has invited public complaints and submissions against former vice-chancellor Neerja Gupta as a retired High Court judge-led committee investigates allegations of corruption and financial irregularities during her tenure from July 2023 to June 2026.

The university has set October 30 as the deadline for individuals, organisations and associations to submit written representations, along with a photocopy of their Aadhaar card, at the Atal Kalam Building.

The public notice, issued on the directions of in-charge vice-chancellor Jagdish Joshi, has sparked discussion across the university campus and the higher education sector. The move is being described as unprecedented in the history of Gujarat University and state-run universities, as it allows members of the public to submit complaints against a former vice-chancellor as part of a formal inquiry.

Probe Covers Appointments, Expenditure and Projects

According to the notice, the fact-finding committee, headed by a retired judge, is examining expenditure, appointments and projects, including those under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK), during the three-year period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026.

The university has asked anyone with relevant information or complaints concerning this period to submit their representations in writing by the specified deadline.

The decision to invite public submissions has raised questions about why an open complaint mechanism was required when the university's own financial records and administrative documents are available for scrutiny.

No findings have yet been established against Gupta, and the allegations will have to be assessed through the inquiry.

Also Read : GU’s Former Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta Returns Grants Worth Over ₹14 Crore Amid Transfer Controversy

Questions Over Alleged ₹70 Lakh Demand

The inquiry has also drawn attention to an earlier controversy involving in-charge vice-chancellor Jagdish Joshi during Gupta's tenure.

According to the account provided, a member of the university's executive council had allegedly sought ₹70 lakh from Joshi in connection with a request for information. Joshi did not file a police complaint at the time, the report states.

The same executive council member later sought information and accounts relating to the university's Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) department from Joshi. The matter subsequently became contentious, and the member resigned.

It remains unclear whether the retired judge-led committee will examine these episodes as part of its investigation. The former executive council member's potential submission of documents or a complaint concerning the HRDC department also remains uncertain.

Earlier Vice-Chancellors Faced Allegations

Allegations of corruption and irregularities in recruitment have surfaced against vice-chancellors at Gujarat University in the past. However, the report states that the university has not previously adopted a public complaint mechanism of this kind for an inquiry into a former vice-chancellor.

The current investigation is expected to establish whether the allegations concerning Gupta's tenure are substantiated and whether any action is warranted. The findings of the committee will determine the next steps.

The developments have also renewed calls for the appointment of a permanent vice-chancellor who can restore confidence in the university's administration and safeguard its institutional reputation.