VIT University served notice over irregularities:Higher Education Dept demands reply in seven days as investigation report exposes severe lapses and warns of strict action

The investigation report on the arson and vandalism incident at VIT University in Sehore has been submitted. Acting on the findings, the Higher Education Department has issued a notice to the university, directing it to present its explanation within seven days. The department has clarified that failure to respond within the stipulated time will result in strict action. Probe exposes poor hostel conditions and suppressed health data The inquiry report highlights severe shortcomings in the hostel facilities. It states that the mess services are extremely poor, with substandard food and water quality. Twelve students were found suffering from jaundice, but the administration allegedly attempted to conceal this information. According to the report, the VIT campus functions like a “fortress,” where the management enforces its own rules. Students and staff are reportedly not allowed to file complaints or even express feedback, creating an atmosphere of authoritarian control. Government issues show-cause notice under Section 41(1) The Higher Education Department of Madhya Pradesh has issued a show-cause notice to VIT under Section 41(1), based on grave irregularities. The university has been asked to submit its defence within seven days. If no response is received, disciplinary action will be taken under Section 41(2). The notice is based on the detailed report submitted by a three-member committee formed by the Private University Regulatory Commission. The report confirms poor food and water quality, widespread illness among students, and deliberate attempts by the management to hide the information. Campus functioning described as ‘like a fortress’ The committee’s findings describe VIT University as operating like a “fortress,” with rigid internal rules. Students and employees reportedly have no space to raise concerns or offer feedback. Night of violence: 4,000 students set vehicles ablaze On the night of 25 November, tensions spiralled out of control on campus. Around 4,000 students gathered, leading to buses and vehicles being set on fire. Several vehicles had their windows smashed, ambulances were vandalised, and chaos spread across the premises. To control the situation, police teams from five stations were deployed simultaneously. Students blame poor food and water for illness outbreak Students claimed that the poor quality of food and drinking water caused several of their peers to contract jaundice. “Nearly 100 students have been hospitalised. Some have even died,” they alleged. They also accused campus guards of assaulting students who protested—claiming to have video evidence. VIT hosts students from across the country, including children of senior officials and industrialists. The annual fee reportedly ranges between ₹7 lakh and ₹10 lakh. Three-member panel finds multiple serious lapses A three-member committee—comprising Hamidia College Principal Dr. Anil Shivani, MVM College Professor Sanjay Dixit, and GMC Professor Lokendra Dave—submitted its report on 28 November. It concluded that the entire incident was the result of management negligence, highlighting six major revelations. Key findings of the investigations 1. Eleven blocks operating without fire NOC A report from the Kothri Municipal Council revealed that VIT did not obtain building permission, pay fire safety fees, or complete land diversion processes. Thousands of students were housed in structures lacking basic safety norms. Fire free dues total ₹42.40 lakh The municipal council issued notices on 29 May, 20 June, and 22 July 2024. Each time, the university claimed it did not have the necessary documents. A final warning on 1 October demanded details within three days or the illegal structures would be demolished—yet no response was received. 2. University built on agricultural land without diversion An inquiry by the Ashta SDM found that classrooms and blocks were built on agricultural land without mandatory diversion. Of the ₹19.39 lakh land revenue due, only ₹7.37 lakh has been paid; Rs 12.01 lakh remains outstanding. 3. Committee labels management “autocratic and intimidating” The committee listed six critical failures: Poor-quality food and foul-smelling water Five messes exist, but quality is “zero,” with students reporting vomiting after consuming the water. Jaundice cases unrecorded Between 14–24 November, 35 students fell ill, but the university maintained no records. CMHO stopped at gate for two hours The Chief Medical and Health Officer was blocked from entering during inspection. I-cards seized, students threatened Students who complained had their ID cards confiscated and were threatened with exam bans. Videos show staff assaulting students Multiple videos indicate physical violence within the campus. Police called too late The administration failed to control the situation; police were summoned only after fire and vandalism had already spread. Registrar defends the university Registrar K.K. Nair claimed that an authorized agency had already inspected the fire safety setup and the file was pending with the Electrical Safety Inspector in Bhopal. He said the university would submit the NOC to the municipal council as soon as it is approved, calling it incorrect to say the campus had “no fire NOC.” Matter raised in assembly: Allegations of illegal seats, courses, structures Gopal Singh Engineer, BJP MLA from Ashta, earlier raised concerns in the state assembly, alleging that illegal courses were being run at VIT. He claimed that: Major concern: How safe are 15,000 students? Given the repeated findings—food and water issues, missing fire safety compliance, illegal construction, and withheld health data—questions are being raised about the safety of nearly 15,000 students on campus. NHRC issues notice to state government, police and UGC The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognizance of severe alleged violations at VIT University and issued notices to the Madhya Pradesh government, Bhopal Police, and the University Grants Commission. Each has been asked to submit an action-taken report within two weeks. A copy is also to be emailed to the Commission. Complaint alleged grave human rights violations A Bhopal-based complainant told the NHRC that unsanitary food, contaminated water, and poor hygiene had likely triggered a jaundice outbreak. The complaint further alleged: