Ahmedabad: The appointment of a permanent vice-chancellor at Gujarat University has been delayed amid a controversy over administrative decisions taken during the tenure of former vice-chancellor Neerja Gupta.A search committee has reportedly recommended three names for the post, but differences over the selection process are said to have led to a deadlock between the state govt and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).Although the vice-chancellor is formally appointed by the govt, academic sources claim that RSS recommendations have traditionally influenced the selection. Gupta’s appointment had also reportedly faced opposition from some local stakeholders, who alleged that her name was not among those originally recommended by the search committee.Her three-year tenure is now under scrutiny over several administrative decisions, including the suspension of three professors associated with the Indian cultural studies department, the political science department, and the Master of Social Work programme. One of those suspended was reportedly a BJP-affiliated syndicate member.The suspensions have added to the controversy, with allegations that certain groups are attempting to discredit decisions taken during Gupta’s tenure. Questions have also been raised over the establishment of the Indian cultural studies department before 2023, reportedly despite having no students, as well as the appointment of a particular faculty member.Educationists have questioned the decision to constitute an inquiry committee focusing primarily on Gupta’s three-year tenure. They have argued that the inquiry should cover the past decade, which could bring decisions taken during previous administrations under scrutiny, amid allegations of irregularities during earlier tenures.The controversy has also widened to include the handling of university documents. Educationists have expressed concern that confidential records held by the administration may have been made public before the inquiry was completed, potentially influencing perceptions of its findings.The acting VC and registrar have also faced scrutiny over the issue. Observers say the delay in appointing a permanent VC will test the govt’s approach to university governance and reveal the influence of competing groups in the selection process.
