New Delhi: Several Rajya Sabha members, academics from DU and JNU, and student representatives Thursday demanded the removal of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, alleging irregularities in faculty recruitment and “corruption” in the university’s administration.At a news conference organised by JNUTA-JNUSU at Press Club of India, the speakers demanded an independent, time-bound inquiry into appointments made during Pandit’s tenure and alleged that candidates who did not meet mandatory UGC eligibility criteria were brought back into the selection process and appointed.The allegations follow a recent investigation by a news portal revealing JNU had appointed at least five associate professors and two professors in alleged violation of UGC regulations. The investigation, based on applications, committee remarks, minutes and dissent notes, alleged that candidates initially rejected by subject-expert screening committees were subsequently brought back into contention through the university’s internal quality assurance cell (IQAC). It also alleged that shortlists were expanded in at least seven cases.The speakers also raised allegations of corruption in non-teaching appointments and contractual arrangements, including claims of money being demanded from security guards for continuation of their jobs. Nearly 370 JNU security guards had earlier complained they were asked to pay Rs 40,000 each when the contractor changed.In a statement, JNUSU also cited an earlier inquiry into Pandit’s conduct while she was at the University of Pune, alleging she had been found guilty of misconduct and “moral turpitude”. The speakers demanded an investigation into recruitment, the functioning of IQAC and executive council, and disclosure of recruitment records. They also demanded removal of the IQAC director.Those present included RS members Sanjay Singh, John Brittas and V Sivadasan, former FECUTA president Nandita Narain, former DU professor Laxman Yadav, DTI convener Uma Gupta, AISA national president Neha and JNUSU president Aditi Mishra, among others. The group submitted a letter/charter of demands to MPs, urging that the matter be raised in Parliament.Responding to the allegations, the JNU administration termed the news report a “malicious campaign by disgruntled left-leaning JNUTA figures based on selective interpretation of UGC regulations and JNU practices” and a “political campaign to embarrass the university”.It said the selection process was “fair and procedural”, with candidates selected on merit by a multi-member selection committee comprising domain experts, a visitor’s nominee, the dean and vice-chancellor, while the academic council approves the names finalised by the committee. On allegations that the IQAC modified candidates approved by screening committees, the administration said the IQAC “has no role in the final selection of the candidates in the interview” and only verifies qualifications and publication claims. It also said no candidate had complained about the interview process and that JNU had conducted over 400 interviews and filled over 200 positions since Feb 2022.
