SPU faces heat over shift of Hindi dept building

Vadodara: A row broke out at Sardar Patel University (SPU), Vallabh Vidyanagar, on Wednesday after NSUI activists gheraoed the vice-chancellor, alleging that a building constructed with UGC and govt funds for language education was being repurposed to run self-financed law courses.

As part of the protest, NSUI activists washed the bust of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel on the campus, claiming that the university administration was acting against the ideals of public education and transparency associated with the institution’s namesake.

The protest was sparked by allegations that a building originally earmarked for the Hindi department and language studies was being allotted to self-financed law programmes. NSUI leaders cited a representation submitted by current and former students of the Hindi department, who questioned the legality and propriety of the move.

According to the memorandum submitted by the students, the building was constructed using UGC and govt funds meant for the promotion and development of language education. They alleged that the university has now allowed self-financed law courses, including LLB programmes, to operate from the premises, thereby changing the original purpose for which the infrastructure was created.

The memorandum sought details of approvals, if any, obtained from the UGC, the Gujarat govt and the university’s statutory bodies for the proposed change in use.

The students further claimed that 137 students are currently enrolled in various Hindi programmes, including BA and MA courses, and expressed concern that the shift could adversely affect language education on the campus.