Haryana government puts recruitment at state universities on hold

The Haryana government has ordered state universities to immediately halt ongoing recruitment processes due to concerns of favouritism in the upcoming elections. This decision reverses the previous order from September 29, allowing universities to continue recruitment processes initiated before Model Code of Conduct was imposed.

In a communique to vice-chancellors, the Principal Secretary (Higher Education) cited numerous complaints alleging favouritism that could benefit certain candidates in the Haryana election. However, recruitment processes may resume after Model Code of Conduct is lifted.

Interestingly, Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU) in Rohtak had already initiated the recruitment process for faculty positions, inviting applicants for interviews on October 8, the same day as the Haryana Assembly election results are scheduled to be announced. This move has raised eyebrows, especially since the MDU administration had previously put the recruitment process on hold following a complaint to the Election Commission.