JNU VC rejects recruitment irregularity claims as propaganda

Jawaharlal Nehru University Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has rejected allegations of irregularities in faculty recruitment and promotions, calling them 'fake propaganda'. The JNU Students' Union and the JNU Teachers' Association have demanded her removal and an independent, time-bound inquiry into the process.

According to the university administration, JNU has conducted over 400 interviews and filled more than 200 posts since February 2022, with nearly 70 per cent of appointments from reserved categories. The administration said selection committees include three domain experts, a Visitor's nominee, the dean and the VC, and that no complaints were received from candidates.

The JNUTA claims an investigation based on RTI responses and official records found at least seven faculty members were appointed in violation of UGC norms. The JNUSU has flagged cases where candidates allegedly rejected by subject experts were brought back into the process. The administration defended the process, citing complexities in verifying publications in humanities and social sciences.