Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Feb 22: Expressing frustration and dismay, Bioresources aspirants in the Valley are grappling with an inordinate delay in filling Assistant Professor positions in the subject, despite nearly four years passing since their initial advertisement.
According to the aspirants, the Higher Education Department advertised a total of 10 Assistant Professor positions for Bioresources in the Valley back in 2019. However, to their disappointment, almost seven positions remain unfilled to this day.
“At that time, only three candidates possessing the requisite qualifications in the subject were available, leaving seven sanctioned positions vacant,” an aspirant said.
The aspirants said that despite the passage of time, the situation has not improved. They said many qualified candidates, holding PhDs and having successfully cleared exams like NET, SET, and others, are eager to fill these positions. “There is no shortage of qualified individuals, yet the posts remain unfulfilled,” expressed another aspirant, underscoring the frustration of the bioresources community.
Adding to their dismay, the recent advertisement by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission for over 300 assistant professor positions across various subjects did not include Bioresources.
“We are baffled by this omission, as the posts were already sanctioned and awaiting advertisement,” the aspirants conveyed, expressing bewilderment at the exclusion of their subject.
Despite persistent efforts, including approaching both the Public Service Commission and the Higher Education Department, the aspirants are yet to see any progress. “We have been tirelessly advocating for the advertisement of these posts, but our efforts have been met with disappointment,” aspirants said.
Furthermore, they said, it has come to their attention that the file regarding these positions has been pending with the Director of Colleges for an extended period, awaiting feedback and approval.
“Despite repeated follow-ups, no significant progress has been made,” the aspirants revealed, highlighting the bureaucratic hurdles they are facing in their quest for resolution.
The Director of Colleges, Yasmeen Ashai, said that while no such case is currently under her jurisdiction, she emphasised the need to assess the demand for Bioresources at the college level. “Before issuing the posts, it is crucial to determine student interest and career opportunities in the subject,” she added.
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