Recruitment rules flouted, says varsity probe panel

Harinder Singh Khaira

Patiala, April 28

The recruitment of 90 Assistant Professors (APs) on a contract basis in Punjabi University’s 11 constituent colleges by former Vice Chancellor (VC) Jaspal Singh and other officials

was done in violation of UGC rules and regulations, says a probe report.

The report, submitted by serving professors, says the role of the then VC and other officials was ‘dubious’ and questions the extension given to staff by the Syndicate on the recommendation of the Director, University Constituent Colleges.

The probe was ordered by officiating VC Anurag Verma. Dr Balwinder Singh Tiwana, Dr Rajesh Kumar Sharma and Dr Yograj Singh investigated the matter thoroughly.

The report stated that the authorities filled the posts through walk-in interview that was “inappropriate”. Selection committees were not formed as per the UGC rules. Also, the university gave excessive powers to the selection committees in contradiction of the orders of the Supreme Court, allowing them to give 50 per cent marks on the basis of the interview alone.

“There is a huge difference between their academic record and research performance (ARRP) and the marks given by the selection committee,” the report claims. A candidate “selected as AP” failed to score any marks in the interview.

UGC norms clearly lay out that universities must evaluate teaching skills and research aptitude through seminar or a lecture, using the latest technology.

Officiating VC Anurag Verma said suitable action would be taken after going through the details of the inquiry report. “We will seek legal opinion,” he added. Jaspal Singh could not be contacted.

Scathing report 

• The report, submitted by serving professors, says the the role of the then VC Jaspal Singh and other officials was ‘dubious’. It questions the extension given to staff by the Syndicate on the recommendation of the Director, University Constituent Colleges. 
• The report stated that the authorities filled the posts through walk-in interview, which was “inappropriate”. Selection committees were not formed as per UGC rules.  
• Also, the university gave excessive powers to the selection committees in contradiction of the orders of the Supreme Court, allowing them to give 50 per cent marks on the basis of the interview alone.