Sanjeev Sanyal Removed as Chancellor of Pune Institute, SC Dharmadhikari Appointed as Replacement

Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, was removed as the Chancellor of Pune-based Gokhale Institute of Politics & Economics on Thursday, as confirmed by an official of the Servants of India Society (SIS) governing the institute. Former Bombay High Court Judge SC Dharmadhikari has been appointed as his replacement, as per an appointment letter issued by SIS President Damodar Sahoo.

In a letter dated April 2, Sahoo cited the institute's decline, particularly its recent 'B' grade accreditation by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), as a key reason for the decision. Sahoo blamed Sanyal for failing to provide a concrete plan of action for the institution's revival.

Meanwhile, in a letter to Sanyal, Sahoo wrote, "We have noted some critical issues regarding the institute. GIPE is the 'crown' of the Servants of India Society, and it is difficult for us to witness its decline. The recent NAAC accreditation downgrade has raised serious concerns. Despite the institute's historical legacy and high reputation, no concrete steps have been taken to address the situation," Sahoo wrote to Sanyal in a letter on Wednesday.

"We feel there is no concrete plan of action for GIPE that you have provided. Hence, we are of the view that we should appoint an able Chancellor who would actively work to restore the institute to its former reputation," the letter stated.

GIPE has been in the spotlight since September 2024, when then VC Ajit Ranade was removed by the then-Chancellor, economist Bibek Debroy—a decision Ranade later challenged in court. Within days, Debroy resigned as Chancellor, and Sanyal was appointed in his place.

On October 21, Sanyal reinstated Ranade as VC. However, Ranade resigned in November 2024, citing “personal reasons," leaving the institution mired in continued administrative turmoil. Meanwhile, the GIPE VC (interim) Professor Shankar Das has sent a letter to SIS President Damodar Sahoo objecting to the sudden appointment of the new Chancellor and in the letter Das has said, "As per the UGC regulations, the Chancellor is appointed for a fixed term of five years, with eligibility for reappointment for one additional term. Sanjeev Sanyal was duly appointed as Chancellor of GIPE in October 2024."