‘NTA collected crores in exam fees’: DU staff union seeks probe into delay in non-teaching recruitment

The Delhi University and College Karamchari Union (DUCKU) has sought an independent inquiry into the delay in the University of Delhi’s non-teaching recruitment process conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The DU staff union has alleged that over five years and five months have passed since the applications were invited.

Submitting a representation to the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India, the DUCKU urged the Centre to investigate the prolonged delay in the recruitment process.

Stating the details of the recruitment process, Devendra Sharma, president, DUCKU, said: “The NTA issued the recruitment notification for various non-teaching posts on 23 February 2021, and applications were accepted until 17 March 2021. Thousands of candidates from across the country applied for 46 cadres of non-teaching posts by paying prescribed examination fees.”

According to the Union, several crores of rupees were collected through the NTA’s recruitment process. It has also expressed concern that more than five years and five months have elapsed since the applications were invited, yet the recruitment examinations for these posts have reportedly not been conducted.

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DUCKU raises concerns over NTA's utilisation of exam fees

It also added that the unprecedented delay has deprived thousands of eligible candidates of employment opportunities while raising serious questions regarding the status and utilization of the exam fees collected.

Therefore, the college union has urged the government to order an independent inquiry into the prolonged delay in the recruitment process, and direct the concerned authorities to disclose the total number of applications received and the total examination fees collected.

In addition, it has also requested to examine whether the examination fees have been retained and managed in accordance with applicable financial rules and regulations.

It also urged the government to direct the expeditious completion of the recruitment process or, if it cannot be completed, consider an appropriate refund or other lawful relief to the applicants.

“Fix responsibility and initiate appropriate administrative or disciplinary action against officials found responsible for the delay, if warranted,” the statement read.

Sharma also said that the issue concerns the legitimate expectations of thousands of unemployed candidates and involves substantial public money collected through a government recruitment process.

He also urged to ensure transparency, accountability, and timely justice by taking immediate action in the larger public interest.