GU Invites Public Complaints Amid Probe into Former VC Neerja Gupta

Ahmedabad: Gujarat University has invited public complaints and representations as part of an ongoing probe into former vice-chancellor Neerja Gupta over alleged financial irregularities involving expenditure, appointments and projects undertaken during her tenure. The university has issued a public notice on its official website, asking individuals, organisations and institutions to submit written complaints by October 30.

The move, reportedly the first of its kind in the history of Gujarat University and state-run universities in Gujarat, follows an order by the officiating vice-chancellor to initiate an inquiry through a fact-finding committee headed by a retired High Court judge.

According to the notice, the inquiry will cover expenditure, appointments, projects and other matters relating to the period from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026. Complainants have been asked to submit their representations in writing, along with a photocopy of their Aadhaar card, in person at the university’s Atal Kalam Building by October 30.

The notice provides a formal channel for individuals and organisations to submit information and raise concerns about decisions taken during Gupta’s tenure. The inquiry is expected to examine the representations received alongside relevant university records.

Book purchase comes under scrutiny

Meanwhile, allegations surrounding the purchase of copies of a book authored by Gupta through a university department have raised questions about the procurement process and the use of university funds.

According to reports, the university’s Institute of Indic Studies (IIS) placed an order for 1,000 copies of Gupta’s book, Samagra Bharatiya Anusandhan Paddhati, before the end of her tenure. The institute’s coordinator, Sonal Malhotra, allegedly instructed the department to purchase the book, following which an official appointed during Gupta’s tenure reportedly placed the order.

A bill of ₹4.14 lakh was subsequently raised in connection with the transaction in favour of Prabhat Prakash, the publishing entity associated with the book, according to reports. University Registrar Piyush Patel is also reported to have communicated in writing regarding payment of the bill.

The transaction has raised questions about the rationale for purchasing 1,000 copies, the necessity of the quantity ordered and whether the prescribed approval and procurement procedures were followed. Reports have also raised questions about Gupta’s alleged signature on documents approving the bill.

The purchase order, supporting documents, bill approval and payment process are reportedly under scrutiny as part of the broader examination of decisions taken during Gupta’s tenure. DeshGujarat