JODHPUR: The Vice Chancellor of Jai Narayan Vyas University (JNVU), Kanhaiya Lal Shrivastava, has been suspended, just four days before his retirement, following allegations of financial misconduct and negligence. Rajasthan’s Governor and Chancellor, Haribhau Bagade, issued the suspension order after reviewing the findings of an inquiry report submitted by the Divisional Commissioner of Jodhpur.
The inquiry, which was prompted by serious accusations against Shrivastava, concluded on January 30, 2025, corroborated claims of misusing his position and failing to adequately perform his duties, resulting in substantial financial losses to the university. The report stated, “Allegations of misusing the position, negligence in discharging duty, and causing financial loss to the university against vice chancellor K L Shrivastava have been substantiated.”
Prof. Shrivastava has been embroiled in controversy since his appointment on February 14, 2022. He previously held the position of Head of the Geology Department at JNVU, from where he retired in 2019. His term as Vice Chancellor has not been without turbulence; he has faced scrutiny over numerous decisions, including promotions for teachers involved in contentious hiring practices from 2012 to 2013.
The inquiry revealed significant instances of financial irregularities which raised serious questions about his governance. One notable issue was the unauthorized financial benefits granted to Shrivastava’s wife, even after her retirement. Such findings indicate possible mismanagement within the university’s financial structure.
This recent suspension marks the first time in the 63-year history of JNVU such action has been taken against a vice chancellor. According to reports, during his tenure, Shrivastava had been known for making decisions against the directions of the state governor, including approving promotions for teachers involved in controversies, as well as undertaking construction projects amid the university's financial difficulties.
Following his suspension, Dr. Ajit Kumar Karnatak, the Vice Chancellor of Maharana Pratap Agriculture and Technology University, will assume additional duties at JNVU starting Tuesday morning.
Interestingly, Shrivastava had twice submitted resignations prior to the inquiry outcome, citing health and family reasons, but both were retracted. His complex relationship with the university and its administration has been heavily criticized, particularly related to how he handled financial distribution and resource allocation, leading to widespread dissatisfaction among both faculty and students.
The backdrop of Shrivastava’s suspension is also marked by unrest within the university community, with protests occurring over the non-disbursal of pensions to retired faculty and staff, highlighting dissatisfaction with administrative policies during his tenure.
Notably, support for the inquiry committee's findings could lead to criminal investigations, as the High-Power Committee recommended involving the Special Operations Group (SOG) to investigate potential misconduct over the last three years. The regularity of Shrivastava's promotion decisions is also under scrutiny, particularly where favoritism has reportedly played a role.
Critics have pointed out instances where Shrivastava’s administration allegedly allocated resources inequitably, including increasing seat counts for selected individuals without merit-based justification—allegations of gross mismanagement raising eyebrows all over the educational community.
Ever since he took office, the academic and administrative environment at JNVU has experienced upheaval under his leadership, leading to consistent calls for accountability. Within just three years, operational turbulence has led many academics to demand transparent management and thorough oversight.
The future of JNVU remains uncertain following this suspension. With new leadership coming aboard to stabilize the institution, all eyes will be on how they navigate existing challenges and rectify systemic issues presently associated with the governance of the university.
Moving forward, the process of restoring institutional credibility takes precedence as new faces take on the multiple roles once contended under Shrivastava’s governance. His abrupt suspension serves as both a cautionary tale about financial propriety and the importance of accountability structures within academic institutions.