Controversial Notice on PRC Requirement for Assam Assistant Professor Recruitment Withdrawn

Guwahati: The Directorate of Higher Education (DHE) of Assam has withdrawn a notice declaring that the Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) is no longer mandatory for the appointment of Assistant Professors, Librarians, and Grade-III and Grade-IV posts in PDUAM/GMC/Provincialised Colleges of Assam. The notice requested the submission of proposals for appointments as per an enclosed checklist. The notice that was issued on July 4 garnered attention from the higher authorities. Assam's Higher Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu, clarified on Twitter that the notice was issued without the approval of the government.

Minister Pegu tweeted, "The Notice pertaining to Permanent Residential Certificate (PRC) was issued by Director of Higher Education without approval of the government. The DHE has been instructed to withdraw the Notice immediately."

Following the minister’s directive, the notice was promptly withdrawn, underscoring the importance of adherence to procedural norms and governmental approvals in policy decisions affecting public sectors.

The decision to forgo the PRC requirement sparked significant controversy. The All Assam Students' Union (AASU) voiced strong opposition, arguing that the move was against the interests of local people. AASU leaders emphasized that thousands of eligible candidates are already present within the state and called for the immediate revocation of the order.

AASU president Utpal Sarma and general secretary Sankar Jyoti Barua expressed their discontent, stating that the state government's decision undermines the interests of local residents. They highlighted the need for protections under the 6th Schedule of the Assam Accord, which aims to safeguard the rights of indigenous communities.

Educational institutions in Assam are now awaiting further instructions and clarification on the PRC requirement for appointments.