Prayagraj: The issue of transparency in recruitment of assistant professors in Dr Rajendra Prasad National Law University reached the UP law department, with Additional Law Remembrancer seeking records and explanations on several aspects of the selection process. The move follows complaints and concerns raised during the university’s executive council meeting over the appointment of 12 assistant professors.The letter of Additional LR of state govt, who is also a member of the university’s executive council, follows complaints by several candidates regarding non-compliance with UGC guidelines during recruitment. Reports have reached state govt regarding objections to the recent recruitment of assistant professors at RPNLU and the official has sought information from registrar, flagging several issues relating to shortlisting, constitution of selection committee, reservation and evaluation.The recruitment process began with the university advertising 12 vacant posts of assistant professors (law) in Mar. The interviews were held category-wise between Jul 22 and 30.In his letter to the university, the official LR stated that complete and material information concerning the appointments was not placed before EC at its Jul 31 meeting. He and another council member abstained from voting on the appointments, saying members could not take an informed decision without the relevant records.The official has specifically sought to know whether shortlisting was strictly under Regulation 4.1 of UGC Regulations, 2018 and whether a comprehensive academic-score chart in the prescribed Table 3A format was prepared. He has also sought clarification on whether the selection committee was constituted in accordance with Regulation 5.1.The university was asked whether reservation for PwD/PwBD candidates was duly implemented and whether a final tabulation chart showing marks awarded during interviews was prepared. A category-wise statement containing the mandatory qualifications and other relevant particulars of all candidates has also been sought.Another issue concerns the recruitment of assistant registrar. The letter mentions that EC had earlier resolved that 20 candidates would be called for interview, but it was stated during the Jul 31 meeting that 23 or 24 candidates were called. The university was asked to explain the deviation and whether the council had approved it.Meanwhile, some candidates alleged a conflict of interest in the selection of assistant professor, saying the vice-chancellor chaired the screening and selection committees while three of her own PhD scholars were among the candidates and all three were selected.Some also questioned high number of candidates (569 out of 680 applicants) who appeared for the interview in just three days. “There should have been a screening test to shortlist the candidates,” said one candidate who appeared for the interview.Sources said the candidates selected have not been received communication to join and that the registrar should have placed the call.Additional LR has sought records urgently so that a report can be prepared for submission to higher authorities in order to prevent procedural or legal complications.RPNLU VC Prof Usha Tandon said, “We received a letter in this regard and have replied well in time. Recruitment in our university followed all set norms and we have even begun the new academic session.”An official of the university said all 12 newly recruited faculty members had joined the university.
