‘Lipstick Bill’ Row Rocks Gujarat University as NSUI Protest Turns Violent

AHMEDABAD : A fresh row over alleged financial irregularities at Gujarat University erupted on September 19 after NSUI activists stormed the campus demanding action against former Vice-Chancellor Neerja Gupta over alleged reimbursement of personal expenses, including a lipstick bill.

The protest turned tense as police attempted to remove activists from the Vice-Chancellor’s office. During the confrontation, glass fixtures, water tumblers and a glass tabletop were reportedly damaged. More than 50 police personnel, including five PSIs, were later deployed outside the office.

NSUI activists also applied lipstick to a photograph of Gupta and broke bangles as part of their protest.

NSUI General Secretary Vikramsinh Gohil alleged that university funds were used for personal expenses during Gupta’s tenure.

“The lipstick expense is also reflected in audit records. A proper audit will reveal the extent of the alleged irregularities,” Gohil claimed.

He further alleged that foreign trips and purchases of personal clothing and beauty products were also paid for from university funds, and demanded an investigation into officials who approved the bills.

“We demand immediate action against Neerja Gupta and an investigation into everyone who approved these bills,” Gohil said.

The latest protest comes amid an ongoing controversy over alleged financial and administrative irregularities during Gupta’s tenure. Gujarat University has already appointed retired High Court judge D.M. Vyas to head a one-member inquiry into allegations including financial irregularities, recruitment-related issues and misuse of authority.

Gupta has previously rejected allegations concerning the alleged ₹40-crore misuse, saying the claims were misleading. She stated that the university received ₹16.50 crore as the first instalment and that the unspent amount was returned.

The latest allegations regarding personal expenses are expected to be examined as part of the broader scrutiny of the former VC’s tenure.