By Our Correspondent
The much awaited appointment of Public Relations Officer (PRO) in Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has been dragged into controversy with allegation of manipulation in the appointment process by the university authorities.
It has been alleged that the university administration want to appoint a particular candidate who does not fulfil even the basic eligibility criterion as advertised on December 16 last year. The university first watered down the eligibility criterion, and when this particular candidate was found unsuitable, the university authorities began manipulating the whole process.
A top source on condition of anonymity said: “This particular candidate has no experience in the media or public relations. His only claim is that he was editor of some magazine published by one of the AMU old boys associations. This definitely is not a professional work as required for the job of a PRO. Also, he has no degree or diploma in public relations, journalism or mass communication.” This claim could not be independently confirmed.
AMU invited applications of the post of PRO last year in which the mandatory qualification was masters degree in any discipline. This makes almost anybody holding a masters degree eligible for the post. Interestingly, AMU has a full-fledged department of Journalism and Mass Communication and has been awarding diploma and masters’ degree in public relations and mass communication since long. But the idea was to filter out these professionally qualified candidates, and bring in less qualified candidates in the competition. Therefore, the eligibility was watered down, an official said.
When the shortlisting of the candidates started, one “favourable” candidate was initially rejected as he had no professional experience in the industry. As per the advertisement, five year experience of public relation work/experience in the print media/electronic media/social media or as assistant PRO was part of the essential qualification.
However, disregarding the norms, this “favourable” candidate was shortlisted for the interview despite having less experience in the industry. Sources say there were instructions from higher officials in his favour.
When the authorities realized they would still not be able to get him through the interview, It was decided in the last minute that a written test will be conducted to shortlist the candidates for the interview.
Generally, a written test is conducted when there is huge number of candidates and it becomes practically difficult for the authorities to interview all the applicants. Written test is a process to filter out less capable candidates.
But in this particular case, there are just seven applicants. And the very idea to conduct the written test in the last minute strengthens the allegation of manipulation. The written test is scheduled on August 12, and the interview is on the next day.
Most candidates did not receive any call letter till the time of filling of this report on August 10. Generally, the applicants are informed well in advance if a written test is to be conducted so that the candidates get ample time for preparation. It would not be a surprise if the “favourable” candidate had the idea of the written test well in advance, a source said on condition of anonymity.
A senior official said generally a written test is not conducted for senior posts such as that of a PRO. These appointments are made looking at the capability, and also the stature and standing of the candidate. The role of a PRO is important as he or she represents the university in the media and becomes the face of the institution. Moreover, given the media onslaught on AMU and the minority character case pending before the Supreme Court, it is necessary that AMU has a responsible and seasoned media manager.
However, with such allegations, this appointment process is likely to be challenged in the court. In the last few years, several appointments in AMU have been challenged in the High Court.