‘Remove Accidental VC, Save University’: Protest at Savitribai Phule Pune University
Pune, 27th March 2026: A student group has demanded the removal of the Vice-Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), alleging administrative inefficiency and poor governance, and claiming that ₹62 crore in funds under the Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) scheme has remained unutilised.
Student representatives staged a protest under the slogan “Remove the Accidental Vice-Chancellor, Save the University,” accusing the university administration of mismanagement and decisions that they claim have adversely affected academic progress and student welfare.
According to the protesters, Savitribai Phule Pune University, one of India’s leading higher education institutions and an important centre for students from rural areas, has seen a decline in its academic performance due to alleged administrative lapses. They claimed that the university’s ranking has fallen and several key administrative and academic posts remain vacant.
The students alleged that important positions such as Director of Examinations, Deans and other administrative posts are currently being managed on a temporary or additional charge basis. They also claimed that several key committees, including those related to professor recruitment approval, CAS (Career Advancement Scheme) and research-related matters, have not been constituted for a long time.
One of the major concerns raised by the protesters is the alleged failure to utilise ₹62 crore allocated under the RUSA scheme, which they claim reflects administrative inefficiency.
The protesters also alleged that confidential reports related to the appointment of the university registrar were leaked, and demanded action against those responsible.
Among the key demands raised by the students are the immediate removal of the Vice-Chancellor, declaration of examination results of around five lakh students that they claim have been pending for over 90 days, and the formation of the long-pending committee related to PhD matters.
They also demanded the appointment of committees for professor recruitment and career advancement, a revision of the honorarium under the “Earn and Learn” scheme in line with inflation, and strengthening of the university’s placement cell to provide better employment opportunities for students.
In addition, the students called for the appointment of full-time officials to key posts such as Director of Examinations and Deans, instead of continuing with temporary arrangements.
Student representative Shiva Barole said the protest would continue until the administration addresses the issues and takes action regarding the alleged inefficiencies in university governance.
