A parliamentary committee has sharply criticized the continued use of the “Not Found Suitable” (NFS) tag in university faculty recruitment, calling it discriminatory toward Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates. The panel’s latest report argues that the practice undermines equity, violates reservation policies, and perpetuates systemic exclusion in higher education.

According to the committee, the NFS tag has often been misapplied to deny appointments to eligible SC/ST candidates, even when they meet the required qualifications. By dismissing them as “unsuitable,” selection committees sidestep the constitutional mandate of fair representation. This, the panel stressed, has contributed to the chronic underrepresentation of marginalized groups in teaching and research positions across universities.

The report highlights data showing that SC/ST faculty representation remains disproportionately low compared to their population share. It described the NFS tag as a major structural barrier that undermines social justice and the principle of equal opportunity enshrined in the Constitution.

To address the issue, the committee recommended introducing transparent and objective recruitment criteria based on academic qualifications, research contributions, teaching experience, and publications, rather than vague judgments of “suitability.” It further suggested that recruitment processes be regularly audited, with selection criteria disclosed publicly to ensure accountability.

The panel also emphasized the broader consequences of exclusionary practices. Lack of diversity among faculty, it argued, narrows classroom perspectives, limits research innovation, and weakens universities as spaces of inclusion. Ensuring fair representation, the report noted, is essential for institutions to reflect India’s social fabric and empower talent from all communities.

By condemning the misuse of the NFS tag, the committee signaled the need for systemic reforms in hiring. Implementing its recommendations could strengthen transparency, uphold constitutional values, and build a more inclusive academic ecosystem.