AHMEDABAD, October 2: Gujarat University has cancelled its Memorandum of Understanding and related arrangements with the Dronacharya Academy of Shooting and Archery (DASA) following protests by ABVP activists over the manner in which the university’s shooting and archery facility had been handed to a private agency.
University Cancels MoU With Immediate Effect
The university announced that all MoUs connected with Dronacharya Academy were being cancelled with immediate effect.
The decision came after protesters gathered on the university campus demanding termination of the tender and associated arrangements.
Protesters Question Private Agency Arrangement
The controversy centres on the operation of the shooting and archery academy, which Gujarat University had developed after investing substantial funds in infrastructure and equipment.
Protesters questioned why the facility was subsequently handed over to a private agency and demanded greater transparency in the arrangement.
Alleged Link to Syndicate Member Under Scrutiny
Students and activists have alleged that the agency involved was linked to university syndicate member Ashish Amin. The reported connection is an allegation raised in the dispute and has not been independently established in the available reporting.
Questions regarding the arrangement had reportedly been raised even before the latest protest.
ABVP Activists Stage Campus Protest
A large number of ABVP activists gathered at Gujarat University and sought meetings with the vice-chancellor and registrar.
The protesters raised slogans and demanded that the university cancel both the tender and the MoU connected with the academy.
Arrangement Had Faced Earlier Questions
The private-agency arrangement had previously been suspended temporarily amid controversy.
It was later restored during the final phase of the previous vice-chancellor’s tenure, bringing the issue back under scrutiny.
Retired Judge-Led Inquiry May Be Considered
The university has indicated that the matter could be examined by a committee headed by a retired judge.
Such a review could examine the process through which the arrangements were approved and determine whether university rules and procedures were properly followed.
Wider Scrutiny on University Contracts
The dispute has renewed attention on decisions involving university tenders, agencies and contracts.
For now, the immediate outcome is the cancellation of the Dronacharya Academy MoU, while any further inquiry into the allegations will depend on the university’s next steps.
Source – Times of India / Gujarat University
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