Explained: The Controversial Ouster & Return Of Sanjeev Sanyal As Chancellor Of Pune’s Gokhale Institute

Two days after removing noted economist Sanjeev Sanyal from the post of chancellor of Pune's Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE), the Servants of India Society (SIS)—the parent body of GIPE—revoked the order on Saturday and requested him to continue in the role. This came after Sanyal, in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), raised serious concerns over certain actions of the SIS.

Damodar Sahoo, president, SIS, said in a letter to Sanyal that his removal resulted from a "misunderstanding" and lack of communication. He stated that he had received Sanyal’s letter, which furnished a detailed explanation of his concerns. “From the content of your letter, I came to know and became satisfied that, as the chancellor, you have decided to take suitable steps in enhancing and protecting the glory of Gokhale Institute. Sanjeev Ji, this misunderstanding happened due to a lack of communication between you and SIS,” said Sahoo.

He added that he discussed the matter in detail with fellow trustees and that they “are of the unanimous opinion that the letter given to you by me ought to be withdrawn with immediate effect. I request you to consider my previous letter to be null and void and shoulder the responsibility of GIPE as the chancellor as before,” Sahoo added.

In his earlier letter to Sanyal, Sahoo had blamed him for the “declining academic standing” of GIPE. “Gokhale Institute is the crown of SIS and it is difficult for us to see the downfall of the institute’s credentials as it recently got a 'B' grade in NAAC accreditation. This has happened despite the historical legacy and high reputation of Gokhale Institute. This has not only raised concerns for us but also caused pain. What is more worrisome is that there are no concrete steps and initiatives from your side to improve the situation,” the letter stated.

Sanyal’s response

Sanyal said the poor NAAC grade reflected the performance of earlier leaders, as the evaluation was based on data from past years, during which he was not the chancellor. “I had so far refrained from commenting on recent events at GIPE. However, I would like to put a few things on public record. SIS President Sahoo has raised two justifications for replacing me as chancellor of GIPE. First, that I am somehow responsible for the poor ‘B’ grade in NAAC ratings. Note that I just took over in October 2024 and visited the place for the first time in November. Moreover, the review was based on data between 2018-23. Surely, those who are responsible for this rating should be held accountable,” he wrote on X.

On Sahoo’s contention that he did not reply in time to a letter sent on March 24, Sanyal said he was in the UK delivering lectures. He also claimed there had been controversies and accusations of financial impropriety at GIPE over the years, which he attempted to address transparently. “The SIS may have originally set up GIPE, but it no longer funds the institution, which is run entirely on student fees and taxpayer funding,” he pointed out. “Far from providing funds, SIS extracts rent from GIPE, ranging from interest-free loans for land purchases by SIS to charges for all manner of services,” he said. “There is no transparency on how the amounts are derived, and these were also questioned by the finance committee,” he added.

Interim VC contested Sanyal’s removal

GIPE’s interim vice-chancellor Shankar Das contested the decision to remove Sanyal. According to him, removing the chancellor before the end of his tenure violated UGC rules. After Sanyal’s reinstatement, Das said that the retraction of the order reflected the right course of action by the SIS president, grounded in fairness, integrity and purpose.

“Both the chancellor and I are deeply committed to the upliftment of GIPE, driven by a sincere sense of leadership and responsibility,” he said. He added that their efforts have always been aligned with the broader vision of nation-building, and GIPE remains a key institution in that journey. “It plays a critical role in shaping the next generation of professionals in the field. We are committed to preserving and enhancing its legacy and glory,” said Das.

SIS VP was also against Sanyal’s removal

Atmanand Mishra, vice-president, SIS, told TOI that he was against Sanyal’s removal and the appointment of former Bombay High Court judge SC Dharmadhikari as chancellor without due process.

“Sanyal was terminated without following due process, and the new chancellor was appointed in the same manner. I am against what happened,” Mishra said. He claimed that although the SIS council comprises eight members, it is currently being run by only three. “It is completely autocratic. They make all the decisions, the rest blindly sign everything. This is how Sanyal was terminated and Dharmadhikari was appointed. I am disappointed with SIS because these three people are doing whatever they please. I have objected to all of it, but my objections are always overruled,” he said.

GIPE’s fall from grace

Established in 1930, GIPE has long been known for producing economists and policymakers of national repute. In 2004, the institute received an ‘A+’ grade from NAAC with a score of 97.4 out of 100. Later, in 2016, it secured an ‘A’ grade with a score of 3.07 out of 4. However, its recent downgrade to ‘B’ with a score of 2.49 out of 4 has raised concerns among students, faculty and the wider academic community.

A senior GIPE official, speaking anonymously to HT, said this was a result of the institution’s “internal instability.” “The institution needed steady leadership, but instead, it faced multiple disruptions,” the official added.

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