The recruitment and promotion of Dalit (SC) and Adivasi (ST) teachers in Indian universities has become a major issue, with the Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes strongly criticizing the misuse of the "Not Found Suitable" (NFS) tag to deny appointments and promotions.

Key Findings and Recommendations of the Committee

• Condemnation of NFS Usage:
  The panel expressly condemned the widespread practice of declaring SC/ST candidates “Not Found Suitable” for teaching posts, even in reserved categories. They called this practice unfair and demoralizing for qualified candidates.

• Case in Point: Delhi University:
  In a review of hiring at Delhi University, the committee noted significant complaints from the SC/ST Teachers’ Welfare Association. It was found that many eligible SC/ST candidates were rejected as "NFS" even for quota-based positions.

• Recommendation:
  The committee, chaired by BJP MP Faggan Singh Kulaste, insisted that the use of NFS as a pretext to bypass reservation policy and deny opportunities must cease immediately.
  The report called for university and institution authorities to evaluate SC/ST candidates on merit and achievements—not to blanketly reject them as unfit for recruitment or promotion.

Political Context and Response

• Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations:
  Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has repeatedly raised the alarm about large numbers of unfilled SC/ST teaching posts in central universities, blaming the use of "NFS" for marginalizing Dalit, Adivasi, and OBC communities.
  He described "NFS" as “the new Manuism,” drawing parallels with discriminatory practices of the past.

• BJP’s Position:
  While BJP leaders pushed back against Gandhi's accusations of deliberate exclusion, the findings of the committee—headed by a BJP MP—add weight to the demand for more equitable recruitment processes.

Committee’s Conclusion:

• There is no shortage of qualified SC/ST candidates in academics today. Declaring them "NFS" is unjust and undermines both opportunity and morale.

• The practice should be immediately discontinued, and evaluation must focus on the true abilities and accomplishments of candidates—giving all deserving individuals a fair chance.