A tense confrontation broke out on Monday at the Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry in the Nauni area of Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, after the Vice Chancellor locked himself inside his administrative office citing fears of an imminent physical attack by faculty members. The dramatic standoff prompted the head of the institution to formally request urgent police protection. Meanwhile, educators assembled outside the vice chancellor's chamber, arguing that their peaceful efforts to raise legitimate departmental grievances were being stonewalled by university management.
Stalled Dialogue and a Three-Month Deadlock
Teachers staging a demonstration outside the central office stated that they had no intention of escalating hostilities and merely sought an audience to resolve lingering issues. The protesting faculty members maintained that they had been seeking an appointment with Vice Chancellor H.S. Baweja for the past three months without success. When the university staff gathered on Monday to present their representations, they encountered security guards stationed across the entryway. Staff members alleged that they were denied entry despite the Vice Chancellor being present inside, compelling the group to launch an impromptu sit-in protest right outside the doors.
Dispute Over Appointment Inquiry and Dismissal Move
Central to the rising friction is an administrative battle concerning Ashu Chandel, the head of the basic sciences department and wife of former Vice Chancellor Rajeshwar Chandel. Chandel disclosed that a comprehensive 24-page dossier had been submitted to the state vigilance bureau requesting an inquiry into her appointment. She alleged that Vice Chancellor H.S. Baweja had recommended her outright dismissal after labelling her original recruitment unlawful. Defending her tenure, Chandel pointed out that 11 different vice chancellors had served the institution across both BJP and Congress administrations since she first assumed her post, and none of them had ever questioned her appointment credentials.
VC Cites Security Threats and Alerts Top Authorities
Presenting his version of events, Vice Chancellor H.S. Baweja told the media that he was forced to barricade himself inside his chamber due to direct threats issued by agitated teachers. Baweja claimed that demonstrators attempted to barge into his office by force, precipitating the emergency lockdown. In response to the confrontation, the Vice Chancellor immediately contacted the Solan Superintendent of Police (SP) to alert law enforcement to the threat. He added that high-ranking state officials, including the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), were also formally appraised of the deteriorating security climate on campus.
Show-Cause Notices Following Governor's Visit
Staff members highlighted that their collective resentment stemmed from administrative notices issued following a recent visit by the Governor. Employees alleged that notices were dispatched without granting affected individuals any prior hearing or opportunity to present their side. The staff insisted that they were not looking for conflict, but rather wanted the administration to explain the precise legal and procedural basis for these notices. They demanded a fair and impartial forum to state their case before any administrative punitive actions are taken against them.
