CHANDIGARH-: Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former minister Maheshinder Singh Grewal today expressed concern over the exclusion of Sikh candidates from the interaction process for the appointment of the Vice-Chancellor of Panjab University while asserting that no Sikh applicant had been invited for interviews despite the presence of several accomplished scholars and experienced academic administrators in the applicant pool.
In a statement here, Mr Maheshinder Grewal said the interaction process, which began on July 3, had raised serious questions about inclusivity, fairness and transparency in the selection process. He said the absence of Sikh candidates from the shortlisted applicants had created an unfortunate impression that deserving members of the Sikh community had been overlooked.
The senior Akali leader said several serving and former vice-chancellors of reputed universities, as well as eminent Sikh academicians with proven academic and administrative credentials, had applied for the post. He said excluding all such candidates from the interaction stage warranted an explanation regarding the criteria adopted for shortlisting.
Mr Grewal said the development had given rise to legitimate concerns about equal opportunity and transparency in appointments to one of the country’s premier higher educational institutions. He stressed that the selection process must remain above any perception of bias and should command the confidence of all stakeholders.
Highlighting the legacy of Panjab University, the Akali said the institution had long been recognised for its academic excellence, diversity and inclusive character. He maintained that the appointment of its Vice-Chancellor should reflect these values and be guided solely by merit. He said any perception that candidates had been excluded on the basis of community would adversely affect the credibility of the selection process and undermine the University’s longstanding reputation for fairness and inclusiveness.
He urged the authorities concerned to ensure that the Vice-Chancellor selection process remained transparent, objective and merit-based so that public confidence in the institution and its governance was preserved