LUCKNOW: The vice-chancellor of Siddharth University, Kapilvastu, Prof Surendra Dubey on Monday sent a report to the Raj Bhawan clarifying the university’s stand on the controversy over the appointment of Arun Dwivedi, brother of basic education minister Satish Dwivedi, as associate professor of psychology under the economically weaker section (EWS) quota.

In its reply, the vice-chancellor shared the details of the appointment process and said the recruitment has been done according to rules. “In response to a WhatsApp query by Raj Bhawan, we have furnished a reply,” Prof Dubey said.

Sources said that Raj Bhawan took cognizance of media reports and sought clarification from the university regarding Dwivedi’s appointment. Before his appointment at Siddharth University, Dwivedi was an assistant professor in Banasthali Vidyapeeth, Rajasthan.

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Former IPS officer, Amitabh Thakur, had on Sunday complained with Governor Anandiben Patel, who is also the chancellor of state universities.

In its report, the university said the appointment process for vacancies in 22 departments was initiated in November 2019.

Screening of candidates was done in July 2020 and based on academic performance, 10 applicants out of 150 were shortlisted.

Interviews for selection on two posts (one under EWS quota and the other in the OBC category) in the psychology department were conducted on February 27 this year.

The committee, comprising two experts nominated by Raj Bhawan, and the department’s dean, shortlisted 10 candidates for interview.

“He (Arun Dwivedi) secured the second position in the interview. His overall performance, inclusive of the academic score (where he scored 40 out of 50), was best as he ranked first among all candidates. We verify all documents submitted by candidates. So far as the EWS certificate is concerned, it is issued by the administration,” Prof Dubey said.

“The entire process was transparent and interviews were videographed. If one wishes to go through it, one may do so,” he said.

Senior professors said almost all universities follow the routine process of verification of documents to ensure that a candidate fulfills requisite qualifications.

District magistrate, Siddharthnagar, Deepak Meena said, “EWS certificate was issued to Arun Dwivedi on November 29, 2019. Before issuing the certificate, due verification and documentation were done where he fulfilled the criteria.”

Basic education minister Satish Dwivedi told TOI, “I did not interfere in the recruitment process of the university. If anyone has a problem, I am ready for a probe.”

The university’s website shows that the advertisement was published in a national Hindi daily on November 17, 19, and 24 in 2019 and a national English daily on November 20, 27, and December 4 in the same year.