The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has suspended
Professor Rajeev Sijariya following his arrest by the Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) in a bribery case linked to the National Assessment and
Accreditation Council (NAAC).
According to the FIR, Sijariya was among ten individuals
detained in the case, which involved an alleged demand of ₹1.8 crore from
Andhra Pradesh's Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation (KLEF) in exchange for
a favorable NAAC accreditation report. Reports indicate that after
negotiations, the team agreed on a reduced amount: ₹10 lakh for the chairman,
₹3 lakh per team member, along with additional benefits like a laptop and
travel expenses for one member’s spouse.
Sijariya, accused of brokering the deal, initially sought
₹1.3 crore for himself but later settled for ₹28 lakh.
JNU’s Response and Past Controversies
Sijariya, a professor at JNU’s Atal Bihari Vajpayee School
of Management and Entrepreneurship (ABVSME), has been suspended following the
recommendation of a three-member committee.
The suspension order, issued by JNU Vice Chancellor
Santishree Pandit, states:
"Rajeev Sijariya… has prima facie been found to be involved in the
corruption case related to allegations of bribery for securing a favorable A++
NAAC accreditation rating to KLEF… The undersigned, in exercise of her powers,
hereby places … Sijariya under suspension with immediate effect, pending the
outcome of the CBI and departmental inquiries."
Sijariya has faced past controversies as well. In 2023, his
tenure as Dean of ABVSME was cut short following complaints from faculty
members about “undemocratic decision-making” and alleged attempts to instigate
students against faculty.
Academic Background and Career
Sijariya joined JNU in 2020 during the tenure of former Vice
Chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar. His academic credentials include a PhD in
Management with a focus on Consumer Behavior, an MBA in Marketing and Human
Resource Management, and an MSc in Physics (Electronics). He has over 25 years
of experience, including 21 years in academia and leadership roles.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue
to probe the alleged bribery network.