Vadodara: A few days ago, BJP MP Hemang Joshi wrote to former MS University (MSU) Vice-Chancellor (V-C) V K Shrivastava, asking him to vacate his official residence, ‘Dhanvantri,’ to uphold the institution’s dignity. Now, the university has issued a written notice directing him to leave at the earliest.

On Friday evening, students staged a protest outside the bungalow, holding banners and criticizing Shrivastava’s “disdainful conduct.” They also pasted a “public notice” on the gate and hung a jar of coins, symbolizing funds collected to “help Shrivastava” leave Vadodara. Their notice warned that if he did not vacate by Saturday, they would begin a hunger strike.

Student representative Mahavir Singh Raj stated that despite an earlier ultimatum, Shrivastava had not vacated the government property, which he had been occupying illegally for over a month. The university’s Board of Management (BoM) had rejected his request for a three-month extension, citing standard procedures requiring officials to vacate their residences after resignation or retirement.

In the notice issued by the university on Thursday, V K Shrivastava was instructed to vacate the bungalow, following a decision by the BoM on February 1. The BoM had rejected his request for a three-month extension, which he had sought on the grounds that his son was studying at a local school and had exams in March, an official stated.

University officials noted that this is the first time a Vice-Chancellor has been formally asked to vacate the official residence.

MSU Officer on Special Duty for Public Relations, Professor Hitesh Raviya, clarified that the notice was in line with the BoM’s original decision, chaired by Chancellor Rajmata Shubhanginiraje Gaekwad, which had granted an extension until February 15. This decision was communicated to Shrivastava via an official letter.

While faculty members overstaying their quarters are usually charged rent at market rates, no rent has been fixed for the V-C’s bungalow yet. The university management is awaiting higher authorities’ guidance on further action. Meanwhile, Shrivastava has also not exited at least eight official MSU WhatsApp groups.

Shrivastava, who resigned from his post in January, was unavailable for comment. DeshGujarat