AGRA: Days after the executive council of Aligarh Muslim University shortlisted five eligible names, among them the present VCs wife, for its next regular VCs post, the selection process is embroiled in controversy. In a letter to President Murmu, an AMU professor alleged that the process of selecting a new VC was not followed in a proper manner. Professor Mujahid Beg of AMU, who made the complaint, told TOI: Acting VC, prof Md Gulrez, should not have chaired the EC meeting as his wife was a candidate for the post. He also should not have cast a vote. It has raised questions of propriety and conflict of interest. In response, Gulrez said: All norms were followed by executive council. Of the 27 EC members, 20 showed up for the October 30 meeting, and 19 voted (Khatoon wasnt present during voting). Initially, there were 32 applicants for the VC post, out of which 20 were recommended. After voting, it came down to five names which were forwarded to the AMU court. Next meeting will be held on November 6."Khatoon, meanwhile, said, Im an EC member but I did not participate in the process. All guidelines laid down by the education ministry were followed. In a statement on Friday, AMU said, There is no rule which prohibits a close relative of any candidate from being in the EC at the time of panel formation. Professor Gulrez was not a candidate himself, and therefore this bar (on him) is not applicable.

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