Maharashtra: Retired High Court Judge To Lead Enquiry Into Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University Irregularities

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Wednesday reconstituted an enquiry committee, which will be chaired by retired High Court Justice Marotirao Gaikwad, to investigate several irregularities at Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University.

The committee, which replaces a previously formed panel that was halted by the Bombay High Court, has been tasked with submitting a detailed report within three months, according to a government resolution (GR).

Among the key concerns under investigation are the university’s failure to pay audit fees, delays in the completion of a Model Degree College in Buldhana despite allocated funds, and the granting of promotions based on a GR that had already been revoked.

Additionally, the committee will probe allegations of unauthorised appointments of contractual employees, leading to legal disputes and an increased financial burden on the government.

Other issues include non-payment of suspension allowances to employees, delays in executing compassionate appointments, and alleged irregularities in the appointment of the university's Registrar and Director of Physical Education. The committee is also authorised to examine any further complaints received during the investigation.

Justice Gaikwad will be joined by three other members—Assistant Director of Accounts at the Directorate of Higher Education, Pune, Shivaji Thombre; Senior Law Officer at Savitribai Phule Pune University, Dr Parveen Sayyed; and Divisional Joint Director of Higher Education, Amravati Division, Keshav Tupe, who will serve as Member-Secretary.

The state government has directed the university administration and the Directorate of Higher Education to provide all necessary documents and information to the committee. The findings of the enquiry are expected to play a crucial role in addressing governance and financial concerns at the university.