MoE Flags Unauthorised Absence; Cites Importance of Collaboration and National Academic Priorities
New Delhi – In a development that underscores the growing emphasis on institutional accountability within India's higher education landscape, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has formally sought an explanation from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit for failing to attend a recently held national-level conference of Central University Vice-Chancellors in Gujarat.
The two-day event, held at Kevadia on July 10-11, 2025, was a significant gathering of top academic administrators, organized by the Department of Higher Education. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, UGC officials, and leaders from across India’s Central Universities attended the high-profile meeting.
MoE Labels Absence “Serious”
According to an official letter reviewed by The Indian Express, a senior official from the Department of Higher Education pointed out that Pandit was formally invited to the conference “well in advance” but did not attend either day of the event. Her absence, the ministry noted, was “being viewed seriously.”
The communication further emphasized that her “valuable contributions to deliberations on various themes were missed” and stressed that no formal approval was received for her absence.
Overlapping Schedules: A Conflict Acknowledged, But Not Excused
The JNU administration had concurrently scheduled a three-day conference on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) from July 10 to 12, which was inaugurated by former Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar. While this overlap was acknowledged by the MoE, the letter clearly stated that Pandit was still expected to attend the second day of the VCs’ conference.
“While acknowledging that this conference coincided with the conference on IKS at JNU, it was expected that you would join the Vice-Chancellors’ Conference on the second day (11th July 2025), following the inaugural event at your university,” the letter read.
The ministry has now asked Pandit to submit a formal explanation justifying her absence.
A Lone Defaulter
According to ministry sources, Pandit was the only Vice-Chancellor who skipped the conference without permission. No such communication was issued to any other institutional head, further emphasizing the uniqueness of this case.
“She should have attended both. The JNU event was important, yes, but so was the VCs’ conference. It’s about prioritizing national academic cooperation,” said a senior MoE official on condition of anonymity.
Importance of the Conference
The VCs’ Conference was thematically aligned with national goals under the “Viksit Bharat @2047” vision. Discussions centered around transforming Central Universities into agents of change in the higher education sector.
Key topics included:
- Institutional governance reforms
- Research and innovation ecosystems
- Policy alignment with NEP 2020
- Global academic competitiveness
A Press Information Bureau (PIB) release stated that the conference aimed to "foster dialogue among academic leaders on institutional innovations, enabling environments and shared challenges,” and prepare universities for “upcoming policy milestones and regulatory transitions.”
Why the Notice Matters
Senior officials said the notice to JNU’s Vice-Chancellor was intended to “sensitise” her about the expectations attached to such roles. The ministry reportedly invested substantial time, money, and logistical effort in organizing the conference.
“This was not just an event, but a platform for policy shaping. Participation from every institution mattered,” said an official. “Being a VC isn’t just about managing your campus; it’s about contributing to national-level academic strategy.”
No Response Yet from JNU
Efforts to reach Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit for a response have so far gone unanswered. The Indian Express reported that neither she nor the JNU media relations officer responded to calls, emails, or messages.
Vineet Joshi, Secretary of Higher Education, also declined to comment on the issue when approached.
Institutional Accountability Under Spotlight
The episode brings into focus the growing expectations around leadership accountability in Indian higher education. The Vice-Chancellors’ Conference was not a ceremonial event but a working forum to drive future academic transformation. Pandit's absence—without formal notice—has therefore raised eyebrows within the ministry.
While it is not uncommon for high-ranking officials to face overlapping commitments, the ministry’s decision to formally address her absence suggests a stricter approach toward institutional participation in national education policymaking.
Background: JNU and Pandit’s Tenure
Professor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit was appointed as the first woman Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University in February 2022. Since then, she has been at the center of various academic and administrative reforms. Her tenure has also been marked by debates on issues of academic freedom, cultural narratives, and curriculum changes in line with Indian Knowledge Systems and NEP goals.
Her leadership style has attracted both praise and criticism. However, the latest development may add to ongoing discussions regarding her administrative priorities and alignment with national academic directives.
Final Thoughts by The Trending People
The Ministry of Education’s notice to the JNU Vice-Chancellor is not just a bureaucratic formality — it reflects the larger shift towards enhanced accountability in India's higher education administration. In a rapidly evolving academic ecosystem geared toward achieving Viksit Bharat @2047, every institutional leader's participation counts. The absence of a major university’s top representative from such a critical national conference raises valid concerns about prioritization and institutional alignment with collective goals.
This episode is a timely reminder that university administrators are not just campus heads — they are policymakers, collaborators, and drivers of national educational transformation.
