Former Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Neerja Gupta has dismissed allegations of ₹40 crore financial irregularities as a malicious attempt to tarnish her reputation.

  • Neerja Gupta rejected ₹40 crore misuse claims under the PMJVK scheme.
  • Clarified that only ₹16.50 crore was received, not the full ₹40 crore.
  • The remaining funds and interest were returned to the university via bank draft.
  • Questioned the impartiality of the university's internal inquiry committee.

Former Gujarat University Vice-Chancellor Neerja Gupta has strongly refuted allegations regarding financial irregularities involving ₹40 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK). Describing the claims as a "misleading and malicious narrative," Gupta asserted that the accusations are an attempt to damage her professional standing.

The controversy escalated following protests by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and Congress leaders, who alleged that funds sanctioned to the university could not be accounted for. In response, Gupta released a detailed video statement on YouTube to present her side of the story.

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The Financial Breakdown

Addressing the core of the accusation, Gupta clarified that while the sanctioned project amount was ₹40 crore, the university had only received the first installment of ₹16.50 crore. She emphasized that no further grants had been disbursed to date.

Furthermore, she clarified that the funds were credited to the official PIPMGVK Jain Manuscript initiative account of Gujarat University, rather than her personal account. Of the ₹16.50 crore received, ₹1,90,80,228 was utilized for project expenses, while the remaining ₹14,59,19,772, including accrued interest, was returned to the university through a bank draft submitted alongside her resignation.

Challenging the Inquiry Committee

Gupta has also cast doubt on the integrity of the committee formed by the university's in-charge Vice-Chancellor to investigate the matter. She alleged that two members of the committee had expressed personal dissatisfaction with her over the past year.

"Can we call such a committee impartial when its members have expressed documented dissatisfaction against the subject?"

BozokMedia analysis shows that such administrative disputes often highlight the friction between academic leadership and political student wings. Gupta has urged the Higher Education Department to intervene and provide guidance.

Defense of Academic Consultancy

Regarding the legality of undertaking consultancy and research while serving as VC, Gupta argued that academic experts have a duty to contribute their expertise to the nation. She cited her previous work with the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR) as a legitimate academic pursuit conducted under prescribed procedures.

Did You Know?: In large-scale government projects, a 'Utilization Certificate' is a mandatory document used to confirm that funds were spent for the specific purpose intended.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main allegation against Neerja Gupta?
She is accused of misusing ₹40 crore sanctioned under the PMJVK scheme.

2. How did she respond to the financial claims?
She stated that only ₹16.50 crore was received and the surplus amount was returned to the university.