Lucknow, May 23

The appointment of UP Basic Education Minister Satish Chandra Dwivedi’s brother at a university under EWSquota has sparked a controversy, with the Congress alleging involvement of the politician.

The minister has junked the allegations, saying he was ready to face a probe.

Oppn seeks probe

Opposition Congress alleged the minister’s brother, who was appointed assistant professor in Siddharth University, couldn’t be economically weak as he was already working in another university.

Siddharth University Vice-Chancellor Surendra Dubey said they would initiate “penal action” if Arun Dwivedi’s EWS (economically weaker section) certificate was found fake.

Arun was appointed assistant professor in the Psychology Department on May 21, the V-C said. The university had invited applications for two posts—one under EWS quota and other in OBC category.

The minister termed the allegations as “baseless”. Asked about the difference in income between him and his brother, he said he did not interfere in the recruitment process of the university and if anyone had any problem, he was ready for a probe.

UP Congress chief Ajay Kumar Lallu has demanded the appointment be immediately cancelled. “The minister’s brother was already working in another university, so how can he be economically weak. The minister is involved and is evading questions,”said Lallu. — PTI