Stir against V-C’s Opelent life-style mars convocatio

MUMBAI, December 12: The annual convocation ceremony of the Mumbai University was today marred by protests against the use of an expensive ...

MUMBAI, December 12: The annual convocation ceremony of the Mumbai University was today marred by protests against the use of an expensive car like the Opel Astra by the vice-chancellor Dr Snehalata Deshmukh.

The Citizens Organisation for Public Opinion (COPO) organised the silent protest on Friday evening, while the annual convocation ceremony was in progress in the university premises. COPO also distributed pamphlets titled "Gross misuse of students’ money by Vice-Chancellor for purchase of Opel Astra" to curious onlookers and students who were present in the campus to collect their degrees on Friday evening. Express Newsline had reported how the VC had diverted funds using her discretionary powers to buy what she called a "fast car". "We are protesting against this gross misuse of students’ money which should have been used for the welfare and upgradation of higher education. What was the need to buy such an expensive car when there is a deficit of over Rs 360 lakh in the university budget this year," commented the Secretary of COPO, Vineet Kanchan.

Though COPO’s protest was silent, their colourful placards did all the talking. While one of these read: "Bapu chalaye charkha, VC daudaye Opel Astra", another stated "News Maker: VC’s Opal-Astranomical". Yet another minced no words: "Aaja meri gadi mein baithja; long drive jayenge, students ka paisa udayenge!" Vineet Kanchan, who was amongst the first persons to complain about misuse of university funds by the VC to the state minister of higher and technical education, added that his organisation was also planning to launch a major signature campaign over the issue. "Even the chief minister does not possess such an expensive car. This is unpardonable on part of the varsity," he said.

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Among others who participated in the protest included other COPO members such as Laxmi Bose, Waman Puranik and President Sanjeev Kanchan.

Meanwhile, in the convocation hall, the ceremony went on unhindered. Member of Planning Commission, Professor J S Bajaj, was the chief guest. Chancellor Dr P C Alexander presided over the function.

In all 41,376 persons had applied for the award of degrees and diplomas at this convention. A total of 71 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 3 bronze medals, along with the Chancellor’s Medal were awarded by Vice-Chancellor Dr Snehalata Deshmukh at this convocation.