The appointment process for the vice-chancellor (VC) of Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, has come under scrutiny over alleged violations of the Arunachal Pradesh University Act, 2012. It has been alleged that the search-cum-selection committee was constituted in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of the Act.

Although the selection process has already progressed, with candidate interactions held on 17 June after being rescheduled from 16 June, the process is now being questioned.

The inclusion of the education secretary/commissioner on the search-cum-selection committee has been challenged because, as an ex-officio member of the university court and executive council, the official is alleged to be statutorily disqualified from serving on the committee. The appointment of the chief secretary as the committee’s chairman has also drawn criticism, with concerns that the involvement of senior bureaucrats could undermine the independence envisaged under the Act.

The rescheduling of the candidate interactions had also allegedly resulted in the absence of the University Grants Commission (UGC) nominee, raising concerns about the lack of independent academic oversight, while allegations have also been made that the executive council’s original nominee to the committee was replaced without proper authority, potentially affecting the legal validity of the committee’s constitution.

A panel of shortlisted candidates has reportedly been prepared; however, concerns have also been raised that at least two qualified indigenous academicians were allegedly overlooked despite meeting all the prescribed eligibility criteria.

Allowing the process to continue without addressing the concerns is likely to cast a shadow over the appointment and invite further legal and public scrutiny.

It is therefore imperative that the authorities examine the allegations objectively and, if necessary, take corrective measures while the selection process is still underway. Ensuring that the appointment is carried out in strict compliance with the Arunachal Pradesh University Act, 2012, will help safeguard the credibility of the process.