New Delhi: The Jawaharlal Nehru University Teachers Association (JNUTA) and the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) have demanded the “removal” of vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, alleging irregularities in the recruitment of teaching staff.
At a press conference at the Press Club of India on Thursday, the students’ and teachers’ bodies urged President Droupadi Murmu, in her capacity as visitor and chancellor of the university, to order an independent and time-bound inquiry into concerns regarding the vice-chancellor’s appointment, faculty recruitment, Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) promotions, the functioning of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, and the alleged alteration of screening outcomes.
“We place our demand before the chancellor, the ministry of education, the University Grants Commission, the MPs, and the citizens of India, seeking the removal of the vice-chancellor,” stated the eight-point demand charter of the two bodies.
Reacting to the allegations, the JNU administration stated that ever since the vice-chancellor took over in February 2022, a large number of vacancies have been filled in a fair manner and based on merit.
“Since February 2022, the University has conducted over 400 interviews and filled over 200 positions, the largest in its history. A vast majority of them (nearly 70 per cent) belong to various reserved and marginalised categories. No complaint has been received from any candidates regarding the interviews,” said the administration.
{{/usCountry}}“Since February 2022, the University has conducted over 400 interviews and filled over 200 positions, the largest in its history. A vast majority of them (nearly 70 per cent) belong to various reserved and marginalised categories. No complaint has been received from any candidates regarding the interviews,” said the administration.
{{/usCountry}}It added, “The Academic Council approves the names finalised by the selection committee (comprising domain experts). The entire process has been fair and procedural, with marks being awarded by experts and other members. The best candidate is selected as per merit.”
The press conference was attended by teachers, students and Members of Parliament, including Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Sanjay Singh and Communist Party of India (Marxist) MP John Brittas. Both MPs assured the teaching and student communities that they would raise their concerns in Parliament in the next session.
“JNU is a public educational institution established by an Act of Parliament. Therefore, those heading such institutions are accountable to Parliament,” said John Brittas. Similarly, Sanjay Singh said “In the next session, I will ensure these irregularities are raised and discussed in Parliament.”
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