Pune: Amid Protest By Teachers Over Political Interference, SPPU VC Assures No Resignations or Suspensions Under Pressure

Pune, 15th October 2026: Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) Vice-Chancellor Dr Suresh Gosavi has assured teachers and non-teaching staff that no resignation or suspension will be forced under pressure from any political organisation or group, and disciplinary action will be taken only after a thorough inquiry.

The assurance came on Wednesday after nearly 200 teachers and non-teaching employees staged a protest against alleged political interference, mounting workload and pressure on university staff. Following a meeting with representatives of teachers’ associations, officers and employees, Gosavi issued a written response addressing their concerns.

The Vice-Chancellor said the university would safeguard the rights and dignity of students, teachers, employees and officers, with all decisions taken in accordance with due legal process. He also stated that the campus could not be used for protests or events unrelated to the university and that employees given additional responsibilities would also be granted the necessary authority.

The controversy also centres on the expulsion of two students following an incident involving girls’ hostel residents. During the meeting, Geeta Shinde, head of the Education Department who recently took additional charge of the girls’ hostel, reportedly described the incident and alleged that she had received calls from political figures seeking the reinstatement of the expelled students.

Shinde said she had spent the night with the girls involved and witnessed the circumstances surrounding the incident. Her remarks highlighted concerns over alleged external pressure on university administration following disciplinary action.

Gosavi, meanwhile, rejected reports that the hostel head had been removed, stating that she had voluntarily requested to be relieved of her responsibilities in view of the circumstances at the time. He said the university would issue a clarification on the reports.

Before meeting the Vice-Chancellor, protesting staff members raised concerns over increasing workloads, additional responsibilities, undue pressure and interference in administrative functioning. They warned that such issues were adversely affecting the academic environment and causing distress to employees performing their duties.

Gosavi appealed to the protesters to call off their agitation and cooperate with the university administration.