Probation extended arbitrarily: JNU teachers’ body; as per rules, says V-C

Additionally, JNUTA criticised the appointment of Rector I, claiming it violated the university’s seniority rules. It cited Ordinance 5 (Clause 4), which mandates that a rector with the longest continuous service should hold the most senior position, if there is more than one rector.

By bypassing this rule, the association claimed, the V-C is “willingly committing an illegality” with far-reaching consequences for the university. The newly appointed rector, whose selection the JNUTA disputes, has already participated in the academic council held on October 10 and was scheduled to attend an executive council meeting Monday, the statement said.

Speaking to The Indian Express, V-C Pandit clarified that “…The extension of probation was done as per the UGC regulations… nothing was illegal in the manner that it was done. The faculty members will have to fulfill the minimum workload obligations as per the contract of their jobs which they sign.”

” The Vice Chancellor exercises these powers and it has been done legally” Pandit added.

The JNUTA also expressed alarm over the formation of a seven-member committee to review the functioning of JNU’s special centers, calling it a “direct assault” on the academic autonomy of these institutions. The committee, which is scheduled to begin its review process shortly, was established without adherence to established university procedures, according to the association. The JNUTA demanded the immediate dissolution of the panel.