Pune: SIS Appoints New Chancellor for GIPE, Interim VC Says Move Violates UGC Norms

Pune, 4th April 2025: The sudden dismissal of economist Sanjeev Sanyal as chancellor of the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) has triggered a fresh controversy, with the institute’s interim vice-chancellor challenging the legality of the decision. The dispute has raised concerns over governance at the prestigious institution.

The Servants of India Society (SIS), GIPE’s parent body, appointed former Bombay High Court judge, Justice S.C. Dharmadhikari, as the new chancellor. Confirming his appointment, Dharmadhikari stated, “I have accepted this role with humility and a sense of responsibility towards an institution of such historical significance.”

However, within 24 hours of the announcement, interim Vice-Chancellor Shankar Das questioned the validity of the move, arguing that Sanyal’s removal violates the regulations of the University Grants Commission (UGC). In a letter addressed to SIS president Damodar Sahoo, Das wrote, “The UGC norms do not outline any procedure for the removal of a chancellor during his fixed five-year tenure. Therefore, any action to appoint a new chancellor in the middle of the term lacks legal standing and should be considered void.”

SIS Cites Governance Concerns
Sahoo, in his communication to Sanyal, justified the decision by citing his alleged inaction over concerns regarding recruitment irregularities at GIPE. He expressed disappointment over the institution’s declining academic standing, referencing its recent ‘B’ grade accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

“GIPE has long been a crown jewel of the Servants of India Society. However, we are deeply concerned about its declining reputation. The lack of concrete steps to address critical issues has led us to believe that appointing a proactive chancellor is necessary for the institute’s revival,” Sahoo’s letter stated.

He further alleged that administrative inefficiencies under interim VC Das were negatively impacting student admissions and placements.

Interim VC Warns of Legal Consequences
Das, in his counter-response, urged SIS to reconsider its decision to appoint a new chancellor, warning of potential legal repercussions. “Maintaining continuity in leadership is crucial for GIPE’s stability. Overriding existing UGC regulations could result in administrative challenges and unnecessary legal disputes,” he noted.

Meanwhile, SIS trustees defended their actions, stating that Das had allegedly bypassed due process in faculty and staff appointments. “There were instances where appointments were made without proper selection committees. When we raised this issue with Chancellor Sanyal, there was no response,” a trustee said on condition of anonymity.

Registrar Kapil Jodh, who opposed the appointments, was reportedly dismissed by Das, further fueling tensions. “We believe that Justice Dharmadhikari, given his legal background, will be able to assess the situation fairly and take appropriate action,” the trustee added.

GIPE Administration Dismisses Allegations
Despite the ongoing turmoil, GIPE’s officiating deputy registrar Vishal Gaikwad maintained that all appointments followed due process. “The accusations of irregularities in recruitment are baseless. Moreover, as per institutional records, Sanjeev Sanyal remains the chancellor,” he clarified.

A History of Leadership Conflicts
Sanyal’s removal is the latest in a series of controversies at GIPE. He was appointed chancellor in October 2024, following the resignation of his predecessor, Bibek Debroy. Debroy, in turn, had stepped down amid disputes over the appointment of former vice-chancellor Ajit Ranade. Ranade’s appointment, made during the tenure of ex-chancellor Rajiv Kumar, was initially challenged by Debroy, though Sanyal later reversed the decision.

Das, who previously served as pro-vice-chancellor at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, was brought in as interim VC after Ranade’s resignation in November 2024.

As the leadership dispute unfolds, concerns are mounting over its impact on GIPE’s academic and institutional stability. With both sides standing firm, the matter could potentially escalate into a legal battle in the coming weeks.