After 2-month freeze, MDU allowed to resume recruitment

The state government has given the green signal to Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) to resume the recruitment process for faculty positions, including Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, and Professors across various departments. The university authorities received an official communiqué to this effect on Wednesday.

The development has brought much-needed relief to both the university authorities and aspiring candidates, many of whom had been awaiting the revival of the process, which had been put on hold on July 24.

“Before the suspension, the recruitment process for 143 teaching posts was already underway. Screening had been completed in several cases, and the process was nearing its final phase of interviews. The sudden halt in July was a setback,” said a senior MDU official.

As per university sources, the recruitment drive covers 111 posts of Assistant Professors, 21 of Associate Professors, and 11 Professors across different departments.

“This was not the first time that recruitment at MDU has faced disruptions. The recruitment process was put on hold in July last year when the government issued a letter directing all state universities to pause teaching and non-teaching recruitment until further notice. The order was later withdrawn, with universities instructed to strictly follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in recruitment,” claimed the official.

According to the SOPs, the universities must provide detailed information about each advertised post, including the date of vacancy, government approval, and the verified roster point from the District Welfare Officer to the designated observer.

“At present, 54% of the 408 sanctioned faculty positions at MDU remain vacant. While 143 of these posts have already been advertised, several departments have no regular faculty members, and others are operating with just one or two, which is negatively impacting academic activities and the quality of education,” the official added.

MDU Vice-Chancellor Prof Rajbir Singh told ‘The Tribune’ that the recruitment would address the shortage of regular teaching staff and enhance the academic environment.