Jadavpur University has decided to cancel the process of recruitment of Group C and D employees following allegations of irregularities, said a university official.
Written tests for the recruitment had been held ahead of last year’s Assembly elections.
The university’s executive council, the highest decision-making body, met on Saturday and unanimously decided to scrap the recruitment process. Candidates had been shortlisted and were to be interviewed for 116 Group C and D posts.
The university will hold fresh tests after the Pujas, the official said.
In early-2019, the university had issued an advertisement for recruitment to the posts of assistant librarian – grade II, darwan, laboratory attendant, steno-typist and technical assistant – grade II.
An official said the university had planned to recruit about 450 personnel.
“Suspicions about fairness cropped up when it came to the authorities’ notice that among the shortlisted candidates were a large number of people from certain pockets such as Nadia and Jhargram. We asked the external agency that conducted the test to produce data like OMR sheets and details of the applicants,” the official said.
“Since the agency could not produce any data, the university decided to scrap the recruitment process after taking legal opinion.”
JU pro-vice-chancellor Chiranjeeb Bhattacharya told The Telegraph: “We repeatedly told the external agency to hand OMR sheets and details of application forms. But they did not respond. So, we have decided to scrap the process. Those who had applied earlier would have to apply again, but need not pay the application fee.”
He said the university was entitled to those records before proceeding with the appointments.
Vice-chancellor Suranjan Das did not respond to calls and text messages.
A JU official said they decided to exercise caution in view of the probe into alleged anomalies in appointments in government-aided schools.