Baba Farid University Recruitment Controversy: 200 Employees Suspended, Political Leaders Face Pressure

Baba Farid University has suspended 200 officers and employees over recruitment-related issues involving appointments made in recent months. The suspended employees include personnel ranging from peons to superintendent-level staff whose appointments had come under scrutiny. The university administration had carried out a large number of recruitments during the past three months. Subsequently, complaints were received by the Punjab government and the university’s Board of Management alleging irregularities and non-compliance with legal rules during the recruitment process. Following the complaints, the Punjab government appointed IAS officer Manjit Singh Brar as the university’s officiating Vice-Chancellor. Salaries Withheld Before Formal Suspension After a preliminary examination, the university administration had already withheld the salaries of the officers and employees concerned. Later, following a high-level meeting of the Board of Management held on August 11, a formal decision was taken to suspend their services. The university has made it clear that the new appointments will not be considered final until the Board of Management completes its investigation and validates the appointments. Suspended Employees to Get Opportunity to Present Their Case University Registrar Dr Girish Sahni said the suspended employees would be given an opportunity to present their side. They have been asked to appear before university authorities for a personal hearing on August 20. Vice-Chancellor Manjit Singh Brar said an in-depth investigation was being conducted into the alleged manipulation in the recruitment process. He said the findings would be submitted to the Board of Management after the investigation is completed. More Employees Could Face Action The administration continues to receive complaints on a large scale, raising the possibility of further action against other employees in the coming days. The latest action has also increased pressure on influential people and political leaders who have allegedly been linked to the appointments through recommendations. Some suspended employees have claimed that large sums of money were allegedly collected from them in exchange for securing jobs. The employees have warned that if their grievances are not heard, they may publicly name political leaders, administrative officials and influential individuals whom they allege took substantial amounts of money in the name of recruitment.