JNU Vice-Chancellor rejects recruitment irregularity allegations

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has rejected allegations of recruitment irregularities, labeling them a ‘fake malicious campaign’ and ‘propaganda.’ The controversy follows demands from the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) and the JNU Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) for an independent inquiry and the Vice-Chancellor's removal.

JNUTA has called for an immediate freeze on all ongoing teaching and non-teaching recruitment. The association alleges significant procedural violations, including the manipulation of expert panels, failure to follow seniority-based rotation for Deans and Chairpersons, and the inclusion of candidates who were initially deemed ineligible by shortlisting committees. They further claim that appointments made since 2022 are ‘tainted and suspect.’

In response, the JNU administration defended its processes, stating that over 200 positions have been filled since February 2022 with nearly 70 per cent of appointments belonging to reserved and marginalised categories. The administration maintains that selection involves multi-member committees, including domain experts and a nominee of the President of India, and that the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) verifies qualifications according to University Grants Commission (UGC) rules.