Teachers and Lawmakers Demand Removal of JNU Vice-Chancellor Over Recruitment Row

Several Rajya Sabha members, academics from Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University, and student representatives gathered at the Press Club of India on Thursday to demand the removal of JNU Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit over allegations of corruption and irregularities in faculty recruitment.

Speaking at a news conference organised jointly by the JNU Teachers' Association and the JNU Students' Union, participants demanded an independent, time-bound inquiry into all appointments made during Pandit’s tenure. They alleged that individuals who failed to meet mandatory University Grants Commission eligibility criteria were improperly reintroduced into the selection process and appointed to academic positions.

The demands follow an investigation by a news portal indicating that the university appointed at least five associate professors and two professors in alleged violation of UGC regulations. Based on applications, committee remarks, meeting minutes, and dissent notes, the findings alleged that candidates initially rejected by subject-expert screening committees were subsequently brought back into contention through the university’s internal quality assurance cell. The shortlists were reportedly expanded in at least seven cases.

Speakers at the press conference also highlighted allegations of corruption surrounding non-teaching appointments and contractual arrangements across the university. Among the claims presented were allegations that money had been demanded from security guards to allow them to continue their jobs.