What is in store?

Ranchi, Feb. 21: University Grants Commission (UGC) has written to Jharkhand Public Service Commission that there is no guideline regarding distribution of marks in the written test and interview in appointing university teachers.

UGC’s statement holds significance especially in the wake of Jharkhand High Court staying the appointment of over 800 “successful” candidates by three state universities after Jharkhand Public Service Commission recommended their names after the selection process got over.

The high court stay order followed a petition filed by Jharkhand PhD Dharak Shodh Sangh and Jharkhand BET-NET Association, Hazaribagh, challenging the selection procedure adopted by Jharkhand Public Service Commission — 60 per cent in the written part and 40 per cent in the interview.

The disgruntled members pleaded that according to a Supreme Court verdict, not more than 15 per cent weightage should be given to the interview part in the selection process.

“The UGC’s letter says that there is no provision regarding distribution of marks in interview and academics and that it all depends on the appointing authority (in this case, Jharkhand Public Service Commission) to decide the rules of selection process,” said a Jharkhand Public Service Commission official, citing reference to UGC’s note.

Jharkhand Public Service Commission has already filed a copy of the UGC letter with the court.

Jharkhand Public Service Commission had earlier clarified that a maximum of 60 per cent weightage would be given to candidates securing first division from matriculation till post-graduation.

However, it gave no importance to candidates clearing PhD/MPhil, National Eligi- bility Test, Jharkhand Eligibility Test or other state-le- vel eligibility tests for that matter.

The high court is scheduled to hear the matter tomorrow. Successful candidates of both factions and office-bearers of both the associations (who failed to clear the tests) now remain an anxious lot.

On the other hand, the three state universities and lakhs of students pursuing education in over 100 affiliated colleges are being inconvenienced for the lack of teachers.

Sources said there have been instances in various states, where the appointing authorities have adopted several criteria in distribution of marks between the written portion and interview while appointing college/university teachers.