SP alleges non-recruitment of OBCs in central university posts

NEW DELHI: Samajwadi Party (SP) today raised the issue of alleged non-recruitment of OBC candidates as faculty members in central universities but government said all efforts are being made not to discriminate against anyone while filling vacancies in educational institutions.

SP member Dharmendra Yadav claimed in Lok Sabha during Question Hour that 27 per cent reservation has not been given to OBCs in central universities and it was a clear violation of the provisions of the Constitution.

However, HRD Minister Smriti Irani said ever since NDA government has assumed office in May 2014, letters have been written to vice-chancellors of central universities nine times while in five meetings of the vice-chancellors the issue of filling up of vacant posts was mentioned telling them that no one should be discriminated against.

Irani said the central universities conduct their own recruitment process as they are autonomous bodies but they are told that students and teachers of the backward communities should be given all opportunities.

"Vacant posts of teachers are related to all categories and faculty shortage is due to establishment of new centrally-funded education institutions, increase in students intake on account of OBC reservation policy, non-availability of qualified candidates and immobility of senior level faculty members," she said.