A Tale of Controversy: Appointment of Dr. Joydev Laha at NIPER Mohali
The appointment and subsequent regularization of Dr. Joydev Laha as Professor and Head of the Department, Process Technology (Process Chemistry) at NIPER Mohali has ignited concerns over adherence to norms. This contentious case underscores alleged deviations from established recruitment rules and statutory processes, raising significant questions about governance and accountability at one of India’s premier institutions.
Dr. Laha’s hiring stands out due to its reliance on a Rolling Advertisement—a method not permitted under NIPER’s Recruitment Rules or Statutes. This point becomes crucial as the Board of Governors (BoG), the appointing authority for faculty, was not in existence at the time of his appointment. According to NIPER’s norms, faculty recruitment must be conducted through regular advertisements, with explicit terms and conditions laid out by the Registrar.
In June 2018, then-Director Dr. Raghuram Rao Akkinepally proposed using Rolling Advertisements for faculty recruitment. However, the BoG explicitly rejected this suggestion, citing the lack of provisions for such advertisements under NIPER’s regulations. Dr. Rao’s proposal referenced historical Rolling Advertisements issued between 2009 and 2011 (Advertisement Nos. 6/2010, 12/2010, and 20/2010), which were published during a period when the BoG was not constituted. This precedent, though cited, lacked formal backing under existing rules.
The timeline of events surrounding Dr. Laha’s appointment is telling:
- Absence of BoG: At the time of his selection, the BoG was not constituted, leaving critical decisions in the hands of an Officiating Director.
- Rolling Advertisement Issuance: Despite the absence of statutory support, a Rolling Advertisement was issued, and a Selection Committee was formed.
- BoG Meeting (August 2011): In its 54th meeting, the newly reconstituted BoG noted Dr. Laha’s appointment as Assistant Professor. The minutes recorded that interviews were conducted against a Rolling Advertisement and ad hoc appointments, despite these being non-compliant with NIPER’s Recruitment Rules.
The minutes also reflected an attempt to legitimize the process post-facto, with the BoG approving the composition of the Selection Committee. However, questions linger over the use of the term “noted” versus “approved,” as these terms carry distinct legal implications.
The handling of Rolling Advertisements by successive BoG Chairs highlights stark inconsistencies:
- During his first term, Dr. V. M. Katoch, then BoG Chair, permitted faculty appointments through Rolling Advertisements, including Dr. Laha’s.
- In his second term, Dr. Katoch opposed the use of Rolling Advertisements, preventing Dr. Rao from employing the same mechanism for faculty recruitment.
This reversal raises questions about the equitable application of rules and the motivations behind such shifts in policy.
The Registrar’s Role
Registrar Mr. PJP Singh Waraich’s stance further complicates the narrative. Despite his awareness that Rolling Advertisements were non-compliant with NIPER’s regulations, the appointments made under this mechanism, including Dr. Laha’s, were regularized without objection. This apparent oversight undermines the credibility of the recruitment process.
Promotions and Regularization
Dr. Laha’s career trajectory at NIPER Mohali has been notable. Hired as an Assistant Professor, he has since been promoted to Associate Professor and now serves as a Professor and Head of the Department. These advancements occurred despite the foundational irregularities surrounding his initial appointment. The High-Level Committee responsible for regularizing NIPER employees, including members like Mr. Rajneesh Tingal, Joint Secretary, also appeared to overlook these discrepancies.
Implications and Lessons
The case of Dr. Joydev Laha highlights several critical concerns:
- Governance Gaps: The absence of a BoG during pivotal decisions allowed for deviations from statutory processes.
- Inconsistent Policies: Contradictory decisions by the same leadership reveal a lack of coherence in policy enforcement.
- Transparency Issues: The post-facto regularization of appointments made under questionable circumstances erodes trust in institutional processes.
To restore credibility and ensure fairness, NIPER must:
- Conduct a thorough review of past appointments made through Rolling Advertisements.
- Enforce strict adherence to Recruitment Rules and Statutes.
- Institute robust checks to prevent governance gaps during periods of transition.
- Ensure accountability for decision-makers who deviate from established norms.
In prestigious institutions like NIPER, upholding transparency and fairness in faculty recruitment is not just a procedural requirement but a cornerstone of academic integrity. The case of Dr. Joydev Laha serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the need for vigilance and accountability in governance.
