Gujarat University has begun examining the purchase of 1,000 copies of a book authored by its former vice-chancellor Nirja Gupta, after a report alleged that the order was placed during her tenure and that a Rs 4.14 lakh bill was approved for payment. The development adds a fresh issue to an ongoing inquiry into alleged irregularities during Gupta’s term.
According to a report by Divya Bhaskar, the book, titled “Samagra Bharatiya Anusandhan Paddhati”, was ordered on May 18, 2026, from the university’s Institute of Indic Studies (IIS). The order was reportedly placed by Sonal Malhotra, who had been appointed as an IIS coordinator during Gupta’s tenure.
The report said the purchase involved 1,000 copies and that the Prabhat Prakash organisation was to receive a bill of Rs 4.14 lakh. A written communication seeking payment reportedly carried the signatures of Malhotra and Gupta. University Registrar Piyush Patel subsequently approved the bill, according to the report.
The report also said Divya Bhaskar inspected the IIS department and found the books stored in sealed boxes. The stated purpose of the purchase was to provide books to students of the department, while some copies were reportedly intended for students attending seminars. The university has not publicly established through the material supplied for this report whether all the books were distributed or whether the payment was completed.
Gujarat University’s in-charge vice-chancellor Jagdish Joshi told Divya Bhaskar that 1,000 books had been purchased and that the reason for the purchase would be examined. His statement indicates that the university is reviewing both the procurement decision and its stated academic purpose.
Gupta’s tenure as vice-chancellor ended on June 30, 2026. The latest issue comes as a committee, headed by a retired judge, examines allegations linked to decisions taken during her administration. The report said the committee would also examine Patel’s role in the bill approval process, citing his earlier involvement in disputes connected with Gupta.
The university inquiry has invited members of the public and university employees to submit representations or evidence against Gupta within 20 days. The book purchase is expected to be considered as an additional issue in that examination. The supplied report does not state the committee’s final findings or establish whether the procurement violated any university rule.
