Congress has questioned the neutrality of Soban Singh Jeena University in Almora after a graph showed in-charge Vice-Chancellor Prof. Praveen Bisht wearing an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad scarf at a public programme.
The issue was raised by Nirmal Rawat, district general secretary of the District Congress Committee. He said the Vice-Chancellor’s office represents impartiality and equality, and that appearing with the symbol of a student organisation could raise concerns about the university’s neutrality.
Congress seeks explanation
Rawat said students associated with ABVP, NSUI and other student organisations should receive equal treatment on the university campus. He alleged that attempts were being made to give universities a political character and affect their academic identity.
The Congress leader demanded that Prof. Bisht explain the circumstances surrounding graph. He also called for safeguards to protect the university’s autonomy and impartiality.
Rawat warned that Congress would protest from the streets to the campus if universities were turned into “political laboratories”. His comments focused on the perceived institutional impact of the Vice-Chancellor’s public appearance rather than on any announced university decision.
Vice-Chancellor responds
Prof. Bisht rejected the attempt to describe the programme as political. He said the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad is a student organisation and not a political organisation.
Bisht said students, teachers and scientists attend such programmes, and argued that giving the event a political colour would be incorrect. His response directly addressed the criticism over his wearing of the ABVP scarf.
The available information does not indicate that the university has announced any further administrative action. The immediate issue remains the Congress demand for clarification and the Vice-Chancellor’s defence of the event’s character.
Conclusion
Congress has sought an explanation from SSJ University’s in-charge Vice-Chancellor over his appearance wearing an ABVP scarf, while Prof. Praveen Bisht has said the event should not be viewed through a political lens and has described ABVP as a student organisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What prompted the Congress criticism?
A graph showing Prof. Praveen Bisht wearing an ABVP scarf at a public programme prompted the criticism.
Q. Who raised the concerns?
Nirmal Rawat, district general secretary of the District Congress Committee, raised the concerns.
Q. What has Congress demanded?
Congress has demanded an explanation from the Vice-Chancellor and assurances that the university’s autonomy and impartiality will be protected.
Q. Which student organisations were mentioned?
The comments referred to ABVP, NSUI and other student organisations.
Q. What did Prof. Praveen Bisht say?
Bisht said ABVP is a student organisation rather than a political organisation and that such programmes include students, teachers and scientists.
Q. Is any further university action reported?
The available information does not report any further administrative action by the university.
