Gujarat University terminates professor for embezzling crores

Ahmedabad: Gujarat University’s syndicate and board of management took disciplinary action against two faculty members, Kamaljit Lakhtariya and Vanraj Chavda, in separate cases.

On Monday, the university confirmed the dismissal of Lakhtariya, an Associate Professor in the Animation Department and former coordinator of the Higher Payment Program (HPP), who had been suspended earlier over a financial scam in the department. Lakhtariya is accused of embezzling crores while managing the HPP, allegedly transferring the funds to a relative’s accounts and overpaying a third party involved in running the program. An inquiry conducted by a retired judge found Lakhtariya guilty of corruption.

“We have decided to terminate his services at GU after reviewing the situation and serving him show-cause notices. We will also file a police complaint against Lakhtariya for corruption and other charges,” said Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta.

The Board of Management also addressed other administrative matters, including amendments to the show-cause notice for suspended Professor Vanraj Chavda and the issuance of an additional chargesheet. Additionally, the board approved the commencement of mid-year admissions through GCAS in January. DeshGujarat