Editor,
I would like to draw attention to the recently advertised assistant professor posts by the Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC), which has brought hope to many qualified aspirants across the state. At the same time, considering the concerns raised in recent months regarding recruitment procedures, it is important that this process is conducted in a completely fair, transparent, and systematic manner from the very beginning till the final selection.
Several letters published earlier in this forum have highlighted issues related to shortlisting criteria, calculation of API marks, evaluation of experience certificates, alignment of UG and PG qualifications, and the need to maintain the prescribed 1:3 ratio for interview calls. These concerns were raised by different individuals at different times, yet many of the points discussed were similar in nature. This indicates that the matter is not personal, but related to the need for clarity and uniformity in the recruitment process.
The advertisement for assistant professor posts is a welcome step, as higher education institutions in the state are in urgent need of qualified faculty. At the same time, considering that more than 45 government colleges are functioning in Arunachal Pradesh, the number of posts advertised is still limited compared to the actual requirement, and several colleges continue to rely on guest faculty members and temporary arrangements due to shortage of regular teachers.
Therefore, the present recruitment process carries great importance not only for the aspirants but also for the proper functioning of higher education institutions in the state.
When recruitment involves a large number of candidates, the importance of proper shortlisting becomes even greater. It is therefore necessary that the criteria for shortlisting, calculation of marks, and verification of documents are applied uniformly for all candidates without any ambiguity.
Particular attention may be given to maintaining the proper ratio of candidates called for interview, as per norms, so that equal opportunity is ensured. Similarly, the verification of academic qualifications, teaching experience, and other supporting documents should be done carefully and transparently before the interview stage itself, so that no confusion arises later.
Another aspect that has been discussed earlier is the alignment of subject specialisation at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels, as required under existing guidelines. Clear and consistent application of such rules will help avoid misunderstanding and will ensure that only eligible candidates are considered at each stage.
Many aspirants have been waiting for a long time for regular recruitment in the higher education sector, and therefore this process carries great importance for their future. A fair and transparent selection will not only benefit deserving candidates but will also strengthen the credibility of the commission and the institutions where the selected faculty will serve.
The purpose of raising these points is not to question the authority of the commission, but to request that all necessary precautions be taken, so that the recruitment is conducted in a free, fair, and transparent manner, strictly following the prescribed norms at every stage, from shortlisting to final appointment.
It is sincerely hoped that the ongoing recruitment for assistant professor posts will set a positive example of transparency and fairness, and will help restore confidence among aspirants as well as the academic community in the state.
A concerned academician