VB starts probe into hiring of asst profs at Punjabi varsity

PATIALA: The Punjab vigilance bureau (VB) has started an inquiry into the recruitment of 65 assistant professors at Punjabi University, Patiala, from 2009 to 2016.

In September last year, the university syndicate, while holding a detailed discussion on the findings of 13 inquiry reports related to allegations of corruption, nepotism and misuse of funds during 2007-2017, decided to handover the probe to the VB.

In a complaint filed in 2017, it was alleged that these assistant professors were appointed in violation of the University Grants Commission norms related to NET and PHD. It was also alleged that the wards and relatives of then ruling Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders were recruited on regular basis, ignoring the eligible candidates.

Assistant inspector general (vigilance) Ashish Kapoor said they have collected record from the university and a detailed investigation has been initiated. “We hope to complete the probe soon and detailed report will be submitted to senior officials for action,” Kapoor said.

In June 2011, varsity issued advertisement regarding recruitment of assistant professors. However, before the recruitment, the university constituted a seven-member committee and allegedly tweaked UGC guidelines and also got it cleared on March 29, 2012.

The committee allowed applications from PHD holders, who had done their degree before 2009. It also exempted PHD holders from clearing the NET. According to UGC regulations, NET/SLET/SET is the minimum eligibility condition for recruitment and appointment of lecturer/assistant professor in universities/colleges/institutions.

Already probing fire extinguishers case

The VB is already probing a case related to purchase of fire extinguishers worth Rs 80 lakh in the university. In 2017, irregularities in the purchase of fire extinguishers at Rs 58.4 lakh and smoke-detection alarm systems at Rs 21.4 lakh over three years came to light.