Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 18: The Research Scholars of Kashmir University’s Biological Science have raised alarm over the freezing of nearly 12 Assistant Professor posts in the department, alleging that this is being done to make way for some blue-eyed candidates to apply for these positions directly without going through the recruitment process.
The research scholars told the Excelsior the Varsity sought online submissions for at least 12 Assistant Professor posts in the Biological Sciences on August 25th, under advertisement number 2 of 2022.
They said that rather than going through the standard hiring procedure, the University put the positions on hold because it was considering appointing Ramanujan and Ramalingaswami fellows of Biological Sciences in violation of UGC guidelines.
“These fellows have been working with the University for the past five to six years, and according to the rules, they should be given preference; however, they must still appear before the selection committee. They cannot be admitted straight away,” a scholar said.
According to an official with knowledge of the issue, the University held a meeting to discuss the issue last month, and the majority of attendees rejected the plan to appoint the fellows to the position, arguing that the procedure was unlawful.
“Earlier in November, a meeting was held with all department heads, the Dean of the School of Biological Sciences, the Joint Registrar, and the Joint Registrar budget, in which all participants-with the exception of one-opposed the idea of directly inducting these positions,” he said.
The students said that the University’s indecision has dashed the hopes of hundreds of students with PhDs and PDFs who are not eligible for the Public Service Commission jobs. “I am 46 years old, and my only hope is to get integrated into the institution; if fair recruitment methods are not followed, how can I get a job?” a Research Scholar who has found over 15 new insect species told the Excelsior
The Scholars said that they had brought up the issue with the relevant department on numerous occasions, but nothing had changed as of yet. “We want LG Manoj Sinha’s action to promote these posts openly as the university is misleading the administration,” the Scholars said.
Nissar Ahmad, Registrar at Kashmir University, told Excelsior that they had already asked the Government for a special quota for these fellows. He added that the University had received representation from both sides.
“In a university council resolution, it is indicated that these fellows would be transferred to a new plan or regularized. These fellows are using it and have even moved to court, and the procedure is blocked because of that,” he said.
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