Pune University Senate Members Demand Closure of ‘Outdated’ IT Cell, Cite Rs 5 Crore Annual Cost

Pune, 22nd March 2026: A group of Senate members at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) has demanded the immediate closure of the university’s IT Cell, calling it outdated, redundant, and a financial burden on the institution.

The issue is expected to be raised at the Senate meeting scheduled on March 27, where members are likely to push for scrapping the department. The proposal, moved by Senate member Vinayak Ambekar, states that the IT Cell has lost its relevance as most departments now independently manage their IT-related work.

According to the members, tasks such as software management, hardware maintenance, antivirus systems, internet services, and licence renewals are no longer centralised and are being handled at the departmental level. In such a scenario, the IT Cell—originally set up to manage the university’s digital infrastructure—has little to no functional role left.

Members have also raised concerns over the financial implications, claiming that nearly ₹5 crore is allocated annually for such departments, placing an unnecessary strain on the university’s finances.

They further pointed out that the university has already established a Section 8 company to provide IT-related services. With a separate structure and defined accountability, the company can directly deliver services, making the IT Cell an unnecessary intermediary.

In addition, the university already has a dedicated department offering computer-related courses, leaving the IT Cell without any academic responsibility.

“The IT Cell continues to function despite having no clear role. The expenditure on staff and administration is unjustified. Shutting down the department will help curb unnecessary spending,” Ambekar said.

The demand is expected to trigger a debate in the Senate, with the university administration’s response awaited.