JNU Vice Chancellor rejects faculty recruitment irregularity claims

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has dismissed allegations of irregularities in faculty recruitment and promotions, labeling the claims as ‘propaganda’.

The controversy follows demands from the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) and the JNU Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) for the Vice Chancellor's removal and an independent inquiry. The JNUSU alleged that certain candidates were reintroduced into the selection process despite being previously rejected by subject experts for failing to meet mandatory University Grants Commission (UGC) eligibility criteria.

In response, the university administration stated that since February 2022, JNU has conducted over 400 interviews and filled more than 200 positions. The administration noted that nearly 70 per cent of these appointments belong to reserved and marginalised categories, including SC, ST, and OBC candidates. The university defended its selection process, noting that committees consist of domain experts, a visitor’s nominee, the dean, and the vice chancellor, with final approval from the academic council.