JNU VC Dismisses Recruitment Irregularities Claims as Baseless Propaganda

Allegations of Irregularities at JNU

New Delhi: Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the Vice Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, has firmly rejected accusations regarding irregularities in faculty hiring and promotions, labeling them as mere 'propaganda'.

This statement follows demands from the JNU Students' Union and the JNU Teachers' Association for her resignation and a thorough, independent investigation into the alleged discrepancies in faculty recruitment and promotions.

Pandit asserted that despite conducting the most transparent recruitment processes, particularly for SCST and OBC categories during her tenure, she has become the target of a malicious campaign by the student and teacher unions. 'There is no evidence, just fabricated propaganda,' she stated.

The university administration reported that since February 2022, over 400 interviews have been conducted, resulting in more than 200 appointments, with approximately 70% of these positions filled by candidates from reserved and marginalized groups. They also noted that no complaints had been lodged by candidates regarding the interview process.

In defense of the selection committees, the administration explained that they consist of three subject matter experts, a nominee from the visitor, the relevant dean, and the vice chancellor. The academic council subsequently approves the selections made by these committees.

Furthermore, the university highlighted that its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) is responsible for verifying candidates' qualifications and publication records during the screening phase, although it does not influence the final selection during interviews.

The JNUSU, in a recent press statement, expressed concerns raised by media reports about candidates allegedly being reconsidered for selection despite prior rejections by subject experts for failing to meet essential UGC eligibility criteria.

In a separate set of demands released on Thursday, the JNUTA claimed that an investigation based on RTI responses and official records revealed that at least seven faculty appointments violated UGC regulations.

However, the administration clarified that the screening process includes thorough verification of publication claims, especially in the humanities and social sciences, where such verification can be intricate. This complexity may account for instances where candidates shortlisted by departments did not advance to interviews or where previously rejected candidates were later invited for interviews.

Regarding promotions, the university noted that nearly 250 applications under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) have been processed since February 2022, including some that had been pending since 2006, marking the highest number of CAS promotions in JNU's history.

The administration also dismissed concerns about familial or supervisory relationships, stating that such ties alone do not constitute a qualification or disqualification for employment. They emphasized that being a former student of a supervisor does not inherently violate UGC publication standards.

In conclusion, the JNU administration maintained that all recruitment and promotion activities have been executed fairly and in line with established protocols.