JU dean recruiting interviews stalled by education dept

The dean recruiting interview of Jadavpur University has been stalled by the state education department. On Friday, the state took the decision following the strong demands staged by All Bengal University Teachers Association and Jadavpur University Teachers Association. Vice-Chancellor Suranjan Das, Education Minister Partha Chatterjee have taken the decision collectively to put the process on hold.

There were two dates, August 26 and 29, which were scheduled for the interview of applicants before the Search Committee. But the interview and the recruitment were stalled for alleged irregularities in short-listing of applicants. There were some eligible professors who had applied for the post but did not get any letter for interview. “It was an insult to the teachers of the University,” said Gautam Maity, convener of ABUTA, JU chapter.

The ABUTA, JU local chapter called a cease of work on August 16 on the Dean Selection. One of the demands staged by ABTA on the day of cease-work was the impartial and transparent process for selection of Deans by the search committee which is to be made certain by the University, Chancellor, and the government that the selection process for appointment of the deans should be strictly as per the law.

The ABUTA alleged that, the Search Committee, being motivated by some vested interest, did not send call for interview to some eligible applicants. But ABUTA immediately pointed it out to the Vice-Chancellor, Chancellor and Minister of Education by issuing a letter on August 24.

Friday was the first date of interview for dean posts. ABUTA members met the Vice-Chancellor on Saturday with a deputation. Finally the interviews have been postponed due to irregularities.

The Registrar has conveyed all the dean candidates that the selection process has been stopped for indefinite time period. The dean selection committee is chaired by Debnarayan Bandopadhyay, V-C of Bankura University.