Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 14: Expressing concern over the indifferent attitude of the Public Service Commission (PSC) for its outright rejection of Ph.D degree holders prior to enforcement of the UGC regulations 2009 from the selection process for the posts of Assistant Professors in Higher Education Department, a large number of Ph.D scholars spearheaded by NPP Chairman Harshdev Singh and Balwant Singh Mankotia State president today held protest demonstration outside PSC office here today.
Harshdev Singh while speaking to the media during protest dharna said that the Ph.D holders from Jammu were earlier shortlisted and called for interview by the PSC for the aforesaid posts but the Commission had subsequently refused their candidature for the interview (viva voce) on the basis of SRO 124 of 2014 which debarred them from the same. Describing the plea of PSC as highly irrational and absurd, Mr Singh wondered as to how could the pre- 2009 Ph.D holders comply with the provisions of SRO 124 which was not in force at the time of award of their Ph.D degrees. He said that the provisions relating to MSP(Minimum Standards and Procedure) certificate as described under SRO 124 didn’t exist at the relevant point of time when the said candidates were awarded their Ph.D degrees and hence it was farcical to ask for such certificate from these candidates to justify their eligibility.
The former Education Minister was further apprised by the Ph.D scholars about the inefficiency on the part of Higher Education Deptt which without securing the interests of scholars registered prior to July 2009 regulations implemented SRO 124 thus divesting all such candidates of an opportunity to take part in selection process. The contingent also brought to the notice of Mr Singh that the posts of Assistant Professors were earlier advertised in 2013 but was withdrawn to serve the vested interests and the purpose of UGC 2009 regulations which prescribed the mode of selection was deliberately not followed.
Dr Hamid Iqbal Tak, president All J&K Ph.D Holders Association resented that the state universities were inconsistent with respect to MSP certificates, while Kashmir University issued certificates to all the candidates irrespective of the date of registration whereas Jammu University partially denied these certificates to those who were awarded Ph.D degree before July 2009. He maintained that in the wake of the controversy it was illogical for the PSC to go ahead with the selection process.
NPP leaders alleged a well hatched conspiracy against the Jammu candidates for keeping them away from competition. Urging the Governor who is also the chancellor of the Universities of Jammu and Kashmir to intervene into the matter, the NPP leaders sought the inclusion of pre-2009 Ph.D holders also within the ambit of selection process and rectification of the highly anomalous and reprehensive situation created by the PSC and the Higher Education Department in the State.
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