Gujarat University allegedly allotted 10,000 square yards of prime land—valued at around ₹500 crore—to the Dronacharya Rifle Club. That club is reportedly run by Ashish Amin, a government-nominated syndicate member of the university.
Senior Congress leader Dr. Indravijaysinh Gohil claims that the tender process was flouted, conditions were altered to shift construction costs to the university, and that the arrangement favors elites at the expense of student welfare.
Dr. Kathwadia, serving as Congress’s spokesperson, was present at the press conference where these allegations were made, reaffirming the party’s position and contributing to the campaign against the allotment.
Gujarat University has shown so much inclination towards organization of government-appointed Ashish Amin that it changed the Tender Conditions. Under Revised Condition, Gujarat University will Itself Construct an Entire World-Class Sports Complex for Ashish Amin’s organization, Dronacharya Club, in a Manner Favorable to the Syndicate Member’s organisation—whereas Earlier the Construction was Supposed to be Done by the Organization itself.
According to Original Tender Condition, if the organization hosted any National or International Educational or Training Event, it would have to Arrange for their Representatives’ Accommodation in Luxury Hotels, Provide a Lavish Sports Hostel, and Take Care of their Food Expenses. Now, this Condition has been Changed so that Gujarat University will Bear These Expenses.
Under the Previous Tender Conditions, the Club was to Set Up a Modern Gymnasium and Dining Facilities at its Own Expense, but this has been Modified so that Gujarat University will Bear these Costs. Similarly, Costs and Arrangements for Electricity, Housekeeping (Cleaning), Security, Water, and Drainage—which were earlier Responsibility of the Club—will now be Paid for by Gujarat University. Eventually a Luxurious Club will be Run at the Expense Worth Crores of Rupees from Gujarat University’s funds.
The Dronacharya Club had set different Fee Structures and Posted them on the Gujarat University website. When Registrar was Questioned about it, Instead of Replying, the details were Removed from the Website. The Club’s Fee Structure Shows that it is completely Unaffordable for Ordinary Students and Intended only for Rich Students. The announced Fees were:
Life Membership – ₹5,00,000
Life Membership (Transfer from another club) – ₹3,00,000
Ordinary Institutional Membership (Group) – ₹7,50,000
Lifetime Institutional Membership (Group) – ₹15,00,000
Non-refundable fee – ₹5,000
Thus, Land Belonging to Gujarat University, Meant for Student Use, has been Handed Over to a Wealthy Club.
When Common Act was Enforced, Repeated Warnings were given that by Removing Democratic Powers, the Government’s Associates Would Trade in University Land—and today, this has been Proven True. In coming days, Former Syndicate Members, Senate Members, Alumni, and Current Students will Join Together to Launch a “Save Gujarat University” Campaign and Intensify the movement. Agitations and Representations will be Made against Handing Over Gujarat University’s Land to a Syndicate Member. Teachers, Lecturers, and Professors of Gujarat University are being Appealed to Join the Campaign.
In the Press Conference, GPCC Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee’s Chief Spokesman Manish Doshi and Spokesman Parthivrajsinh Kathwadia were present.
