JNUSU, JNUTA demand JNU Vice-Chancellor’s removal over alleged recruitment irregularities

The JNU administration is facing renewed scrutiny over faculty appointments, promotions and other administrative decisions, with the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) and JNU Teachers’ Association (JNUTA) seeking the removal of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit.

At a joint press conference at the Press Club of India on Aug 13, the two organizations called for an independent and time-bound investigation into alleged violations of recruitment norms during Pandit’s tenure.

They also sought an examination of promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS), the functioning of the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and claims that decisions taken during the faculty selection process were subsequently altered.

The organizations alleged that candidates who did not initially satisfy mandatory eligibility requirements were allowed to return to the selection process and were later appointed.

They claimed such interventions raised questions about whether established University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and recruitment procedures were being followed.

JNUSU further alleged that objections raised by elected members of the JNU Executive Council were overlooked during the process. It said the recruitment system had become susceptible to “arbitrariness and favouritism”.

“The large-scale corruption in the recruitment process of JNU has been exposed by The Reporters' Collective in its investigation,” the statement said.

The student body also raised concerns beyond faculty appointments, alleging irregularities in non-teaching recruitment, security contracts and other administrative decisions.

It claimed some faculty members eligible for promotion were facing extended delays while certain “favoured appointments” were being processed.

Demand for independent probe

JNUSU and JNUTA have argued that the allegations cannot be adequately addressed through an internal review by the university. They want an independent body to examine the records and decisions involved in faculty recruitment during Pandit’s tenure.

The organizations have sought access to screening committee proceedings, shortlists, recruitment files and appointment documents. They have also demanded scrutiny of the IQAC and Executive Council's involvement in recruitment and promotion-related decisions.

The groups said the matter requires wider intervention because JNU is a publicly funded central university and its recruitment practices have implications for academic standards and institutional governance.

JNU defends recruitment process

The university administration has rejected the allegations and maintained that appointments were made through a structured, merit-based process involving experts from the relevant fields.

It said more than 400 interviews have been conducted and over 200 positions filled since Pandit assumed office as vice-chancellor in February 2022. The administration described the recruitment drive as the largest in JNU’s history.

Nearly 70% of those appointed during this period belong to reserved and marginalized categories, according to Hindustan Times.

The university said selection committees comprising domain experts recommend candidates, after which the Academic Council considers their recommendations. It added that marks are awarded by experts and other members of the selection committees.

“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 administration told HT.

Eight demands put forward

The two organizations have placed an eight-point demand charter before the authorities. The removal of Pandit is at the center of their demands, followed by an independent investigation into faculty recruitment carried out during her tenure.

They have also demanded:

• A probe into the IQAC and its role in recruitment and promotions
• An examination of alleged changes in screening and selection outcomes
• A review of decisions concerning CAS promotions
• Public disclosure of recruitment records, shortlists and screening committee proceedings
• Accountability and legal action against officials found to have violated recruitment rules
• Greater transparency in recruitment and promotion procedures

JNUSU and JNUTA have urged the President of India, in her capacity as JNU’s Visitor, as well as the Ministry of Education and UGC to intervene in the matter.

“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,” the joint demand charter said.