Latest news with #KishorsinhChavda
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Garba deal backfires: VNSGU withdraws 62.5L lease amid uproar
Surat: Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) vice-chancellor Kishorsinh Chavda has withdrawn the controversial decision to lease the university's 14.72-acre ground to Yashwi Entertainment for Navratri celebrations. The ground was rented for Rs 62.5 lakh without issuing a public tender or following due govt procedures. The leasing process was carried out quietly, with no prior announcement regarding the university's new standard operating procedure (SOP) for renting out the ground. The university informed about the lease resolution only last month, and Yashwi Entertainment promptly paid the full amount. The move sparked controversy over the low rental value and procedural lapses, leading to allegations of corruption. The VNSGU campus was placed under tight security on Wednesday after Congress and NSUI lodged complaints and announced protests. Amid growing pressure and a heavy police presence, the vice-chancellor cancelled the lease. The decision was also reportedly influenced by potential legal consequences. The land was originally acquired from a farmer strictly for educational purposes. Following complaints to the collector's office and the higher education department, the VC received a reprimand and was instructed to cancel the deal immediately. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo When asked how only one company was aware of the SOP, Chavda told TOI: "We followed due process to frame rules in the executive council and board of management. After the SOP was made, Yashwi Entertainment somehow came to know about it and approached us." The university had cited the lease as a revenue source to meet salary and operational expenses. However, questions were raised about its spending priorities, as VNSGU has reportedly spent lakhs on non-academic festivals over the years.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Short of funds, VNSGU leases out ground without tender
Surat: Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) has leased out its 14.72-acre ground for Rs 62.50 lakh to a private entertainment group to organize garbas for ten days this Navratri. The university said it made this decision owing to a shortfall of funds and aimed to generate revenue from its properties. VNSGU implemented a policy that permits leasing the ground for garbas without tenders. VNSGU vice-chancellor Dr Kishorsinh Chavda told TOI, "We have 600 non-teaching and 120 contracted teaching and temporary staff whom we pay from our own funds. As govt does not pay their salaries, we must look for alternative revenue. We cannot raise fees to meet these expenses. The price of labour has also doubled, and we now pay labourers Rs 500 a day. Water, electricity, security and housekeeping expenses have also increased manyfold. We thought about leasing our properties. We framed a standard operating procedure based on which we gave the contract to the first person who came forward. We may go for tenders to lease out the ground from next year." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Why seniors are rushing to get this Internet box – here's why! Techno Mag Learn More Undo Under the agreement, the 14.72-acre ground opposite the VNSGU main building has been leased to Yashwi Entertainment Group for Rs 2.5 lakh per day for 10 days (Rs 25 lakh) for Navratri garbas. Additionally, Rs 37.50 lakh has been charged for the pre-Navratri days for preparation. Chavda added that the govt does not give universities funds for maintenance and other expenses, compelling them to create their own revenue streams to cover these. "We will ensure that our students in hostels are not disturbed through such events," said Chavda.
