JNU Faculty Recruitment Row Deepens
Students and teachers at Jawaharlal Nehru University have demanded the removal of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit and an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in faculty recruitment and promotions. The university administration has rejected the allegations and defended its selection procedures.
JNU Faculty Recruitment Faces Scrutiny
The JNU Students’ Union and JNU Teachers’ Association alleged that some candidates initially rejected by academic screening committees for failing to meet mandatory eligibility requirements were later brought back into the selection process.
The allegations include claims that final shortlists were expanded in several recruitment cases and that candidates added later were eventually appointed.
The groups have sought an independent and time-bound inquiry into appointments made during Pandit’s tenure.
JNU Teachers Demand VC Removal
The teachers’ association has also raised concerns about the functioning of the university’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell and alleged that objections recorded by elected Executive Council members were ignored.
The groups have demanded preservation and disclosure of recruitment records, screening committee proceedings and appointment documents.
They have also sought an audit of faculty recruitment and promotions carried out since February 2022.
JNU Administration Rejects Recruitment Claims
The JNU administration has rejected the allegations and maintained that the recruitment process was fair and followed prescribed procedures.
It said appointments were made on merit through multi-member selection committees involving subject experts and other designated members.
The university also said its quality assurance cell does not make final selection decisions and primarily verifies qualifications and publication claims.
JNU said it has conducted more than 400 interviews and filled over 200 positions since February 2022.
