The controversy escalated after a protest broke out in late November, with students alleging jaundice outbreaks and unsafe living conditions. In its response, the university said only 35 out of 17,121 students were diagnosed with jaundice and were “immediately provided proper medical care.” The campus currently houses 8,271 boys and 3,870 girls, with an eight-bed medical unit, four doctors, and six nurses available round-the-clock. Serious cases are referred to Chirayu Hospital and other recognised centres, the statement noted.
Addressing concerns over food and water quality, VIT said meals are managed by reputed caterers from Indore, Bhopal, and Chennai, with menus set monthly by a Student Food Committee. Water, the administration said, is tested regularly as per ISO 10500 standards and treated through ozonizers, sand filters, and softeners. The university also announced that a dedicated food and water testing laboratory is being established on campus, and its reports will be uploaded to the university portal.
The administration dismissed allegations of ID card confiscation, harassment, or preventing officials from entering the campus. It said that stopping unknown vehicles at the gate is part of its security protocol and the claim of detaining an official for two hours was “fabricated.” It also reiterated that the 75% attendance rule for examinations is standard academic policy.
According to the response, unrest was triggered by false social media messages on November 25, including claims of three student deaths and hundreds being critically ill. The university said the rumours led to protests during which an ambulance, a bus, and three cars were set on fire, CCTV cameras were damaged, and staff members were assaulted. Paramilitary forces were eventually deployed to restore order.
The reply concluded that the notice was based on “false and unconfirmed information” and urged the government to withdraw it while offering to present its case in a formal hearing.
