Gujarat University syndicate member resigns after Rs 75 lakh bribery allegation

A controversy erupted at Gujarat University after government-appointed syndicate member Shwetal Sutaria was accused of demanding Rs 75 lakh from the Director of the Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) in return for approving a grant.

The allegation has sparked protests by NSUI workers on campus and led to calls for an investigation into the matter. Following the protests, Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta, who is currently abroad, called an emergency meeting of the Executive Council.

During the meeting, Sutaria submitted his resignation, which was accepted.

On July 31, Sutaria had written to the university registrar asking for 10 years of records related to HRDC. The information sought included grants, income sources, audits, orientation programmes, external collaborations and tender documents.

The allegation is that this request was made to pressure the HRDC Director after the money was not paid. Sutaria has denied the charge.

He said he wrote the letter to request an enquiry into possible irregularities. He claimed that he was being targeted for asking questions. He also said he has documents that show problems in HRDC and that he will share them soon.

Additionally, Sutaria called for a judicial investigation and said he resigned so that the inquiry can take place without pressure.

HRDC Director Jagdish Joshi did not speak to the media but said he had presented his views during the council meeting.

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