Delhi: JNU VC denies faculty recruitment irregularities

Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has rejected allegations of irregularities in faculty recruitment at Jawaharlal Nehru University, describing them as a “malicious campaign” by the JNU Students’ Union and JNU Teachers’ Association.

The two groups had sought the Vice-Chancellor’s removal, alleging that appointments, promotions and housing allotments were handled arbitrarily. They alleged that personal or political-ideological affiliations were given priority over merit and seniority norms, and cited departures from the rotation system for appointing deans and chairpersons.

Pandit said there was “no evidence” behind the claims. She said her tenure had seen transparent recruitment, particularly of SC, ST and OBC candidates.

The JNU administration said it had held more than 400 interviews and filled more than 200 positions since February 2022. It said nearly 70% of those appointed belonged to reserved and marginalised categories, and that it had received no complaints from candidates about the interviews.