BU ignored reservation norms in deputations, say SC/ST professors

Bengaluru: Sixty-seven senior Bangalore University (BU) professors have set a deadline for the Vice-Chancellor to relieve faculty members appointed on deputation from other universities.

In a letter to Vice-Chancellor Dr Jayakara SM, the Bangalore University SC/ST Teachers’ Association claimed that reservation norms were not followed while appointing faculty on deputation.

All 67 professors belong to the SC/ST community, including 10 who recently resigned from executive posts assigned as additional responsibilities at the university. In the letter, the association named five positions filled through deputation.

"The faculty from other universities have been brought on deputation without sanctioned posts, which will cause problems during future recruitment. Even while appointing them, no mention was made of following the roster for deputation," the letter stated.

The association also demanded that the university fill vacant backlog posts. "There are over 22 backlog posts lying vacant, and the university has not taken any steps to fill them," it alleged.

However, the Vice-Chancellor denied the allegations, saying, "There is no discrimination against any community."

Meanwhile, some faculty members, not part of the association, alleged a personal agenda behind the protest. "To our knowledge, most executive posts have gone to those from SC/ST communities. If there are issues with deputation or backlog vacancies, they should be raised with the government. Is there any rule mandating reservation in deputation?" questioned a few senior professors.

"Some in the list were aspirants for the post of Registrar (Evaluation) at the university," sources claimed.