**Controversy at Gujarat University: Allegations Against Syndicate Member**
A significant controversy has emerged at Gujarat University following allegations against Shwetal Sutaria, a government-appointed syndicate member. He is accused of soliciting Rs 75 lakh from the Director of the Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC) in exchange for approving a grant. This accusation has ignited protests by NSUI workers on campus and prompted demands for a thorough investigation.
In response to the unrest, Vice Chancellor Neerja Gupta, currently abroad, convened an emergency meeting of the Executive Council. During this meeting, Sutaria submitted his resignation, which was promptly accepted.
On July 31, Sutaria had requested the university registrar for a decade’s worth of records related to the HRDC, including details on grants, income sources, audits, orientation programs, external collaborations, and tender documents. The allegation suggests that this request was made to exert pressure on the HRDC Director after the alleged payment was not made. Sutaria, however, has denied these claims, asserting that his intention was to initiate an inquiry into potential irregularities within the HRDC. He contends that he is being unfairly targeted for raising questions and claims to possess documents highlighting issues within the HRDC, which he plans to disclose soon.
Furthermore, Sutaria has called for a judicial investigation and stated that his resignation was intended to facilitate an unbiased inquiry. While HRDC Director Jagdish Joshi refrained from commenting to the media, he indicated that he had shared his perspective during the council meeting.
As the situation unfolds, the university community awaits further developments regarding the investigation and the implications for the HRDC.
**FAQ**
**What are the allegations against Shwetal Sutaria?**
Shwetal Sutaria is accused of demanding Rs 75 lakh from the HRDC Director in exchange for grant approval, leading to protests and calls for an investigation.
