Gujarat University, a pillar of higher education in Ahmedabad, is finding itself at the center of a heated controversy. Recent allegations by the Congress party assert that university authorities leased approximately 15,000 sq yards of prime land—originally meant for academic purposes—to Radhe Enterprise for setting up food stalls, and did so without holding a transparent tender process.
Allegations and Red Flags
The Congress alleges that:
- The land, valued at over ₹250 crore, was allotted directly on a mere letter submission, bypassing any competitive bidding.
- The Vice-Chancellor, Nirja Gupta, approved the lease within five months of application (filed on March 29, 2025)—a turnaround described by critics as “unprecedented” for such a valuable asset.
- No record indicates that the Gujarat University Syndicate discussed or approved the deal, raising concerns about procedural irregularities.
- The lease terms—₹75,000 per day for 11 months—spark questions considering the land’s educational designation.
Political Pushback and Demand for Accountability
Congress leaders have called the episode a “land scam,” asserting that Gujarat University is treating institutional property as “inherited” rather than safeguarded for education. They’ve vowed to file complaints with the Lokayukta and the state Governor, demanding full investigation and transparency.
Why This Matters
- Impact on Education Environment: Critics argue that transforming university land into a commercial zone undermines the academic mission and diverts resources from pressing student needs like classrooms, labs, and hostels.
- Procedural Integrity: The lack of a proper bidding or syndicate approval process may set a concerning precedent for governance in public universities under the Common University Act.
About Gujarat University
Gujarat University, located in Ahmedabad, stands as a prominent state institution offering undergraduate affiliation and postgraduate teaching. Its alumni include illustrious figures like Prime Minister Narendra Modi, industrialist Gautam Adani, innovator Pranav Mistry, among others.
