Probe Reveals Major Irregularities in University of Madras Professor Appointments

Fast Summary

• An inquiry committee has identified notable irregularities in the appointment process for professor positions at the University of Madras during 2014-15.
• Discrepancies include violations of eligibility criteria, UGC norms, and failure to follow proper procedures for advertisement and candidate evaluation.
• Of the 22 professor posts advertised on june 1, 2014, only three applications underwent scrutiny by the mandated Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC).
• Specific issues highlighted:

– Late submission of applications (e.g., S.S.Sundaram’s request six months after deadline).
– Missing qualifications like prior teaching experience or academic credentials (e.g., V. Bhuvarahamurthy and S. Sumathy).
– Substandard eligibility qualifications like marks below required thresholds (e.g., Dr. S. Manivasakan).- Lack of service record as associate professor before elevation to professorship (e.g., S. Saravanan).

• Several appointees from this recruitment cycle have since retired.
• A legal petition filed in 2019 led to court-directed formation of a probe committee in August 2024; its findings were submitted on May 14, 2025.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The findings highlight systemic lapses within hiring processes at one of India’s premier universities-a concern with ramifications on institutional credibility and governance accountability.Violations such as oversight in qualification standards, procedural neglect by IQAC compliance protocols, and lackluster advertisement practices undermine meritocracy and erode public trust.

While some professors involved have already retired from service-limiting immediate corrective measures-the recommendations stemming from this report could set important precedents for safeguarding academic integrity across Indian universities if pursued rigorously.

Addressing thes gaps will require robust mechanisms not only for more obvious recruitment but also periodic reviews ensuring adherence to UGC guidelines across institutions nationwide-a necessary step toward maintaining India’s higher education quality benchmark.

Read More: The Hindu