Editor,
I wish to express my views in reference to the recent report titled “Dr. Milorai Modi designated as APU VC in-charge; search committee to select new VC” and the earlier Readers’ Forum article on responsibility after retirement. The present situation at Arunachal Pradesh University (APU) once again reminds us how crucial leadership, accountability, and transparent systems are for institutions that are still in their formative stage.
As reported, APU is currently functioning without a regular vice-chancellor after the retirement of its founding VC, and the process for appointing a new VC is now being carried out through a search committee. This development gives hope that the government intends to bring stability to the university, which is the lone state university and a very important academic institution for the youth of Arunachal Pradesh. However, the present moment should also be seen as an opportunity to correct past shortcomings and strengthen the system for the future.
In recent months, several letters published in this very forum have raised serious concerns regarding recruitment practices in higher education, especially for assistant professor posts. Issues such as the calculation of API marks, evaluation of experience certificates, discrepancy in shortlisting criteria, and the 1:3 ratio for interviews have been repeatedly discussed by aspirants and academic observers. These concerns are not baseless. Questions have been raised about fairness in shortlisting, differences in marking systems, verification of experience, and the need for strict adherence to UGC norms so that merit is not compromised.
When multiple letters from different individuals highlight similar problems, it indicates that the issue is not personal but systemic. Recruitment in educational institutions must always be beyond doubt, because the quality of teachers and staff determines the quality of education itself. Any lack of transparency at this stage can affect the credibility of the institution for many years.
It is also a matter of concern that till now there has been no clear clarification from the university authorities regarding several of the doubts raised by aspirants in this forum. In addition, the official website of the university does not appear to be regularly updated, and some crucial details related to recruitment, notifications, and results seem to be missing or not easily accessible. In an academic institution, timely publication of information is essential for maintaining transparency and public confidence.
In this regard, it is hoped that in future all important updates, including appointment orders, waiting list status, and any further vacancies arising from the waitlisted candidates, will be properly notified both on the official website and, wherever required, in reputed newspapers. Such practices will ensure transparency, accountability, and equal opportunity for all eligible candidates, and will prevent unnecessary confusion and speculation.
The article on retirement and responsibility rightly pointed out that appreciation at the end of tenure is meaningful only when the system left behind is strong and fair. Holding a high academic or administrative post is not only a matter of authority but also a long-term responsibility. The real measure of success of any tenure lies in whether the institution becomes more transparent, more merit-based, and more trustworthy after that tenure.
Therefore, while the appointment of a new vice-chancellor at APU is an important administrative step, it should also mark the beginning of a more disciplined and transparent approach in all future recruitments – both teaching and non-teaching. Clear rules, uniform criteria, proper verification of documents and strict adherence to UGC and government norms must be ensured so that no candidate feels that the process is unfair or influenced.
Arunachal Pradesh is still developing its higher education system, and every decision taken today will shape the future of an entire generation. The youth of the state have limited opportunities, and therefore recruitment in universities and colleges carries even greater responsibility. A fair and credible system will not only select deserving candidates but will also restore confidence among aspirants.
I sincerely hope that the authorities, the search committee, and the future leadership of APU will take this moment as an opportunity to build a stronger, more transparent, and more merit-based academic environment, so that in the coming years there will be no need for repeated concerns in this forum regarding recruitment and institutional functioning.
A Concerned Citizen