Former student questions recruitment process; AMU administration says appointment was made as per rules
Report: S. Munir
Aligarh: The appointment of Ali Farhan Gulrez, son of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor Professor Naima Khatoon, as an Assistant Professor in the university’s Law Department has come under scrutiny. Following a complaint by a former student, the Union Ministry of Education has reportedly sought a response from the AMU administration regarding the appointment process.
Farhan Gulrez was appointed as an Assistant Professor under the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair, which is associated with teaching and research on Dr. Ambedkar’s life and ideas, social justice, equality and empowerment of disadvantaged sections. The appointment is for five years or until the tenure of the Chair ends, whichever is earlier.
The appointment letter was issued on July 16, while the meeting of the Selection Committee was held on June 24.
Former student questions selection process
Former AMU law student and advocate Syed Kaif Hasan had approached the President of India, the Ministry of Education and the University Grants Commission (UGC) on July 15, alleging irregularities in the recruitment process.
According to the complaint, questions have been raised regarding the Vice Chancellor’s role in approving the advertisement, whether the Ministry and UGC were informed in advance, and whether an independent inquiry should be conducted into the appointment process.
The complainant has also questioned the constitution of the Selection Committee. He has reportedly sought clarification on how two external experts were nominated for the committee if the Executive Council had not held a meeting during the year.
What do the guidelines say about appointment of relatives?
The complainant has referred to guidelines issued in 2018 by the then Ministry of Human Resource Development regarding appointments involving close relatives of a Vice Chancellor or head of an institution.
According to the guidelines cited in the complaint, where a close relative of a Vice Chancellor applies for a post, the relationship is required to be disclosed in advance and the Vice Chancellor is expected to recuse himself or herself from the selection process.
The complaint further raises the question of whether additional safeguards, including prior intimation to the concerned ministry and the involvement of additional experts, were followed in the present case.
AMU administration rejects allegations
The AMU administration, however, maintains that the appointment of the Assistant Professor under the Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Chair was made in accordance with all applicable rules and the prescribed procedure.
According to the university, the appointment is temporary and is for five years or until the tenure of the Chair ends, whichever is earlier. The position is sponsored and funded by the Government of India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment through the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation.
AMU has stated that the Chair operates under an agreement between the Ministry and the university and is distinct from regular posts under the Ministry of Education or the UGC.
The university said the selection was conducted by a Selection Committee headed by the Pro-Vice Chancellor, with an expert nominated by the Dr. Ambedkar Foundation also serving on the committee.
AMU has further maintained that the Vice Chancellor recused herself from the selection process and had no role in the appointment.
Complainant threatens legal action
Advocate Syed Kaif Hasan has said that if the university administration does not take concrete action in the matter, he may approach the court.
The matter is now likely to draw further attention after the Ministry of Education sought a response from AMU. The university’s reply is expected to clarify the appointment procedure, constitution of the Selection Committee and compliance with the relevant guidelines.