Haryana DAV Principal Appointments Stalled as State Refuses to Join Selection Process
The appointment of principals in 11 DAV colleges across Haryana has effectively stalled after the Directorate of Higher Education refused to participate in the selection process, citing serious legal and jurisdictional concerns. This move has triggered a standoff between state authorities and the DAV College Managing Committee, headquartered in New Delhi, over who legally holds the power to appoint principals in aided colleges.
Legal and Jurisdictional Concerns Cited by State Authorities
State education authorities maintain that under applicable laws, the governing body of each affiliated college—not the Delhi-based DAV management—is the legally recognised appointing authority for teaching and administrative staff. In Haryana, 13 DAV colleges operate under different universities, with ten affiliated with Kurukshetra University, two with Maharshi Dayanand University in Rohtak, and one—Dayanand (DN) College in Hisar—with Guru Jambheshwar University of Science and Technology.
Since these institutions receive substantial government aid, the state argues they fall under its regulatory framework regarding recruitment, service conditions, and staff discipline. Officials emphasize that the recruitment process in private aided colleges is governed by the Haryana Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Act, 1979, the Haryana Affiliated Colleges (Security of Service) Rules, 2006, the statutes of the affiliating universities, and the UGC Regulations on Minimum Qualifications for Appointment of Teachers, 2018.
State's Interpretation of Appointment Powers
According to the government's interpretation, these provisions clearly vest appointment powers in the statutory governing body of each individual college. Authorities argue that the DAV College Managing Committee is neither affiliated with any Haryana university nor recognised by the state as the employer institution, and therefore lacks legal authority to appoint or transfer principals or faculty.
The Directorate General of Higher Education (DGHE) declined to send its nominee to the selection committee constituted by the DAV management, reinforcing the state's position. This refusal has led to the effective halt of principal appointments in 11 colleges, creating uncertainty and operational challenges for these educational institutions.
Judicial Scrutiny and Ongoing Legal Battles
The issue has already reached the judiciary, with the appointment of the principal of Dayanand (DN) College in Hisar, made by the DAV management, being challenged before the Punjab and Haryana High Court through a Public Interest Litigation filed by former associate professor Anil Bhatia. The petition alleges that the appointment violated state government and university rules governing recruitment in aided colleges.
In February 2026, the Directorate of Higher Education issued a series of directives to the governing bodies of DAV colleges, instructing them to fill principal vacancies strictly according to the selection procedure laid down in the respective university calendars. Colleges were also directed to submit college-wise lists of governing body members and seniority lists of teaching staff duly approved by the affiliating universities.
Implications and Future Resolution
With the state refusing to recognise the selection process initiated by the DAV management, the appointment of principals in 11 colleges has been effectively put on hold. This standoff highlights broader tensions between private management and state regulatory frameworks in higher education. As the matter is already under judicial scrutiny, a final resolution may now rest with the courts, potentially setting a precedent for similar disputes in other states.
The delay in appointments could impact the academic and administrative functioning of these colleges, affecting students and staff alike. Stakeholders are closely watching the legal proceedings, hoping for a clear and lawful outcome that upholds educational standards and compliance with state regulations.
