JNU VC appointment has to be done by search committee: HRD Minister Smriti Irani

LUCKNOW: HRD Minister Smriti Irani today discounted reports that the post of JNU Vice-Chancellor was being offered to BJP leader Subramanian Swamy, saying it has to be done by a search committee.

"Probably a person, who does not know law has spread the news. First under Central University Act, I cannot offer the post of VC to any person, it has to be done by a search committee," she said.

"Secondly, there is age bar. Swamy is so senior person that he does not fit in the age limit. I know that some Leftists are very disturbed...I know some people who are scared," she said.

Irani was speaking at a conclave organised by Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd on being asked about reports of JNU Vice-Chancellor's post being offered to Swamy.

Reacting to reports that HRD Ministry was believed to have offered Swamy the post of JNU VC, Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) had threatened to "resist any attempts with all its mights" to saffronise the campus and termed the BJP leader as a "regressive figure".

It said Swamy's appointment would be gross violation of rules as the age criterion fixed for the applicant for the job is 65 years and Swamy is well past that age.