VIP culture row: In latest Gujarat University VC’s car spotted with Siren atop

Ahmedabad: Amid the controversy over the siren atop the official car of Saurashtra University Vice Chancellor Professor (Dr) Utpal S. Joshi, it has come to light that a car belonging to Gujarat University Vice Chancellor Professor (Dr) Neerja A. Gupta is also equipped with a siren.

To curb VIP culture, the Union government in 2017 had banned the use of red beacons and sirens on civilian vehicles, including the official vehicles of government servants. However, some vice chancellors in Gujarat seem to be defying this rule. Initially, it was revealed that the newly appointed VC of Saurashtra University was using a car with a siren. When questioned, he responded, “I do not believe in VIP culture. But if it is allowed under the rules, I will keep the siren.” Defending himself, he added, “I have kept it because the vice chancellors of five other universities also have sirens on their cars.”

Today, it was found that the car of Gujarat University Vice Chancellor, with license plate number GJ01 GA 1738, was also fitted with a siren. When the press arrived, the driver immediately drove off with the vehicle. Notably, the VC’s car is usually parked near the clock tower at Gujarat University, but after news broke about the siren on the Saurashtra University VC’s car, this vehicle was shifted to the Gujarat University Press parking lot.

In another instance of vice chancellors holding onto VIP privileges, former MS University of Vadodara VC Prof. Vijay Kumar Srivastava had sought  a three-month extension to vacate his official bungalow, despite resigning on January 8. As per university rules, he was granted one month to vacate the premises, but he has requested additional time. Meanwhile, senior professor Satish Pathak, who had challenged Srivastava’s appointment, leading to his eventual resignation, has demanded that Srivastava reimburse all expenses incurred during his foreign trips while serving as MSU VC.

Amid the escalating controversy, the siren has now been removed from the car of the Saurashtra University VC. Notably, as per Rule 119(1) and (3) of the Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989, sirens and multi-tone horns are banned on all vehicles except police vans, ambulances, and fire brigades. DeshGujarat