JNU groups seek VC’s removal over faculty recruitment allegations

Teachers’ and students’ representatives at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have sought the removal of vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, alleging irregularities in faculty recruitment.

At a news conference organised by the JNU Teachers’ Association and JNU Students’ Union, the group called for an independent, time-bound inquiry into appointments made during Pandit’s tenure. It alleged that candidates who did not meet mandatory University Grants Commission eligibility criteria were returned to selection processes and later appointed.

The representatives also sought scrutiny of the university’s Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) and Executive Council, and asked JNU to disclose recruitment records. They cited allegations involving at least five associate professors and two professors, and said shortlists were expanded in several cases.

JNU said its selection process was fair and followed procedure. It said multi-member committees select candidates on merit, while the IQAC verifies qualifications and publication claims but does not make final interview selections. The university said it has conducted more than 400 interviews and filled more than 200 posts since February 2022.