The Spark of Controversy: What Led to the NCSC Inquiry?
In a development that has ignited debates on reservation policies in higher education, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has ordered a detailed probe into the appointment process for the Registrar at Bharathiar University (BU) in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. The controversy centers on allegations that the selection panel violated University Grants Commission (UGC) norms by lacking representation from the Scheduled Caste (SC) community, potentially sidelining qualified SC candidates in favor of non-SC/ST applicants.
Bharathiar University, named after the renowned Tamil poet and freedom fighter Subramania Bharati, is a prominent state university established in 1982. It serves over 150 affiliated colleges and has a student body exceeding 100,000. The Registrar position, a key non-teaching administrative role responsible for overseeing university operations, examinations, and compliance with statutory regulations, became vacant, prompting a recruitment drive.
On August 24, 2024, BU issued a notification inviting applications for the post. By the deadline, the university received 16 applications, including four from eligible SC candidates who met all criteria. However, the interview panel—comprising P. Shankar as convenor, syndicate members E. Sundaravalli, M. Dharanidharan, R. Durgashankar, and Chancellor nominee M.V. Ramana Moorthy—had no SC or Scheduled Tribe (ST) representative. This composition, critics argue, undermined the fair assessment required under reservation policies.
Dr. R. Rajavel, then a Professor of Chemistry at Periyar University in Salem, was selected and assumed charge on August 8, 2025. He continues to serve as Registrar as of March 2026, listed on the official BU website.
Dr. M. Ilanchelian's Complaint: Allegations of Systemic Bias
The complaint was filed on February 25, 2026, by Dr. M. Ilanchelian, Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry at BU. An accomplished researcher with expertise in biophysical chemistry and photoelectrochemistry, Dr. Ilanchelian alleged that the absence of SC representation in the panel led to the deliberate overlooking of the four eligible SC applicants. He claimed this breached UGC-mandated guidelines for equitable selection processes in university appointments.
"The panel's composition directly impacted the evaluation, resulting in qualified SC candidates being ignored despite fulfilling all eligibility requirements," Dr. Ilanchelian stated in his petition to the NCSC. His grievance highlights a recurring concern in Indian academia: whether selection committees adhere to principles of diversity and inclusion when filling senior administrative roles.
NCSC Steps In: Directive for Immediate Investigation
Responding swiftly, the NCSC, empowered under Article 338 of the Indian Constitution to protect SC rights and welfare, issued directives on March 13, 2026. In a letter from Director Mr. Ravivarman to the Additional Chief Secretary of Tamil Nadu's Higher Education Department (with a copy to BU), the commission mandated a factual inquiry and report submission within 15 days. Non-compliance could lead to summons for personal appearance.
On March 19, 2026, the NCSC announced its own investigation, underscoring the gravity of potential caste-based discrimination in public university appointments. This dual probe—state-level and national—signals heightened scrutiny on compliance with affirmative action in Tamil Nadu's higher education sector.
The Hindu reported the NCSC's statement: “The Commission has decided to investigate/inquire into the matter in pursuance of the powers conferred upon it under Article 338.”
Understanding UGC Norms: Reservation in University Appointments
The University Grants Commission (UGC), India's apex higher education regulator, mandates strict adherence to the Government of India's reservation policy for SC (15%), ST (7.5%), Other Backward Classes (OBC, 27%), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS, 10%) in direct recruitment to teaching and non-teaching posts. For senior roles like Registrar—a Group A non-teaching position—the policy requires maintaining a reservation roster to ensure proportional representation over time.
Key UGC guidelines include:
- Establishment of dedicated SC/ST cells in universities to monitor reservation implementation.
- No de-reservation of reserved vacancies without central government approval.
- Selection committees must ensure transparent, merit-based processes that uphold reservation quotas.
- Liaison officers (not below Deputy Secretary rank) to oversee compliance.
While specific composition for Registrar panels isn't rigidly prescribed, the overarching framework demands diversity to prevent bias. Violations can lead to withholding grants or legal action. UGC's strict implementation guidelines emphasize filling backlog reserved posts promptly.
| Category | Reservation % | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| SC | 15% | All direct recruitment posts |
| ST | 7.5% | All direct recruitment posts |
| OBC | 27% | All direct recruitment posts |
| EWS | 10% | All direct recruitment posts |
Bharathiar University's History and Prior Scrutiny
BU has faced past controversies, including a 2017 case where its Vice-Chancellor was booked under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Earlier, in 2015, UGC warned BU for off-campus center violations. These incidents contextualize the current probe, raising questions about systemic adherence to affirmative action.
Despite this, BU ranks highly in NIRF and THE World Rankings (601-800 in 2026), boasting strengths in sciences and Tamil studies. The university's SC/ST cell exists to promote representation, yet the registrar appointment exposes potential gaps.
Stakeholder Reactions: University, Government, and Activists
BU and the Tamil Nadu government have not issued public responses as of March 21, 2026. Higher Education Secretary P. Shankar, who served as panel convenor, previously oversaw state university appointments amid Governor critiques on UGC compliance.
SC/ST advocacy groups hail the NCSC move as a victory for marginalized communities. Dr. Ilanchelian represents faculty pushing for accountability. Tamil Nadu's Dravidian politics, emphasizing social justice, adds pressure on the DMK government to resolve swiftly.
Wider Implications for Indian Higher Education
This probe underscores challenges in implementing reservations amid merit concerns. Statistics reveal underrepresentation: Only 8-10% SC/ST faculty in central universities against 22.5% quota. Parliamentary panels have flagged 'not suitable' declarations for reserved candidates.
In Tamil Nadu, state universities report 20-25% SC faculty, below targets. The case could prompt audits, reinforcing UGC's 2022 Central Recruitment Rules mandating reservation in non-teaching promotions too.
Times of India coverage notes the 15-day deadline, amplifying urgency.
Similar Cases: A Pattern Across Universities?
Recent parallels include a 2024 Parliamentary Standing Committee report criticizing central universities for sidelining eight SC/ST faculty candidates as 'not suitable.' Supreme Court rulings, like in Karnataka (Jan 2026), affirm no dilution of reservations.
- Delhi University caste bias claims rebutted by administration (2025).
- Multiple probes in Tamil Nadu universities over VC/search committee irregularities flagged by Governor RN Ravi.
These highlight the need for transparent rosters and diverse panels.
Expert Views and Statistics on Reservation Efficacy
Experts like Prof. George S. Paul (former UGC member) stress training for committees on unconscious bias. Data from UGC's 2023 report: 1.2 lakh backlog reserved posts in higher ed. Tamil Nadu boasts higher SC enrollment (70%+ via 69% reservation), but faculty lags.
Benefits: Diverse leadership enhances equity; studies show SC/ST administrators boost marginalized student success by 15-20%.
Potential Outcomes and Path Forward
If violations confirmed, outcomes may include quashing the appointment, backlogs filling, or fines. Recommendations: Mandatory SC/ST panel members for senior posts, digital rosters, third-party audits.
For BU, reaffirming commitment via special drives could rebuild trust. Nationally, aligning state acts with UGC strengthens affirmative action.
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