PhD Scholars In J&K Trapped In Low-Paying Contracts
Systemic exploitation of contractual hiring in higher education threatens the future of intellectual capital and socio-economic progress
In Jammu and Kashmir, the highest echelon of academic achievement, the PhD is being undermined by a system that offers little in return for the years of dedication and expertise its scholars invest. In a troubling trend, many PhD holders in the Union Territory (UT) are being hired on a contract basis for teaching positions in higher education institutions, with dismally low salaries and no clear pathway to permanent employment. This systemic use not only demotivates these scholars but also wastes the human capital painstakingly cultivated through years of research, study, and academic rigour.
A PhD is the pinnacle of academic qualification, awarded to individuals who demonstrate original research and contribute new knowledge to their field. PhD holders are expected to serve as the torchbearers of future academic endeavours, guiding students, fostering innovation, and advancing the intellectual foundation of the nation. In a region like Jammu and Kashmir, where higher education has the potential to drive socio-economic development, the role of PhD scholars is especially critical. However, instead of being valued for their expertise, these scholars in Jammu and Kashmir are being hired on temporary contracts, often for years on end. These types of contracts offer paltry salaries that barely compensate for the time, effort, and money they have invested in their education. The absence of a direct recruitment process, following the 2018 SAC order, has forced scholars into becoming street vendors—an alarming situation that not only undermines the intellectual community but also delivers a severe blow to the entire education sector.
In some colleges, it is reported that up to 90% of the teaching staff are employed on a contractual basis. These teachers are entrusted with the same responsibilities as their permanent counterparts but are underpaid and enjoy none of the job security. Such a system reflects poorly on the state’s commitment to education. By refusing to make long-term investments in human capital, the government is undermining the quality of education and demotivating those who should be at the forefront of its delivery. Contract jobs offer no stability, no prospects for career progression, and no assurance that the next paycheck will be guaranteed.
The government’s reluctance to provide permanent positions in education can be seen as a cost-cutting measure. By hiring PhD scholars and other highly qualified individuals on a contractual basis, the state saves money in the short term, avoiding the higher salaries, benefits, and pensions that come with permanent roles. However, this is a false economy. Worse, it sends a dangerous message to future generations of students.
The Director of Colleges recently issued a public notice highlighting a year-on-year decline in student enrollment at degree colleges, inviting public opinion on the issue. Several factors may contribute to this concerning trend. One key reason is the hiring of teachers at extremely low salaries, which directly impacts their motivation and ability to engage students effectively.
Another factor is the uncertainty associated with contract-based teaching positions. Students sense this insecurity through the teachers’ demeanour, which adds to their stress and demotivates them from focusing on their studies. Instead, they become more inclined to seek immediate earning opportunities. Additionally, when students witness that even individuals with the highest qualifications struggle to secure stable and fulfilling employment, they begin to question the value of higher education, undermining their willingness to invest time and effort in academic pursuits.
If a PhD—the highest academic degree—leads to such a precarious career, why should students invest their time, money, and effort in pursuing one? In this way, the current system not only wastes the human capital already created but also discourages the creation of future human capital. Higher education institutions rely on the expertise of research scholars to mentor students, conduct advanced research, and contribute to the intellectual development of the nation.
In a democracy like India, the individual should be at the centre of policy decisions, with the state serving as a facilitator of their growth and well-being. However, in the case of Jammu and Kashmir, the opposite seems to be true. Nobody is listening to the demands of intellgensiaThe state’s apparent prioritization of short-term financial savings over long-term investment in human capital contradicts the very spirit of the Constitution of India. This imbalance between the citizen and the state in the current scenario calls into question the government’s commitment to fostering intellectual growth and development. If the state continues to prioritize fiscal austerity over human capital development, the consequences could be dire. An entire generation of scholars could be lost to dissuasion, and with them, the potential for innovation and progress that is essential for the nation’s future.
The local government, particularly the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Minister, must take decisive action to ensure that scholars are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. This means transitioning them from contract jobs to permanent roles through a timely direct recruitment process and providing opportunities for career development.
Moreover, the government must recognize that investing in education is not a short-term expense but a long-term investment in the future of the region and the country. By providing stable, well-paid positions for PhD scholars, the state can ensure that its educational institutions are staffed by educators who are committed to fostering the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators.
The consequences of inaction could be severe. If the government continues to neglect the plight of scholars, it risks alienating an entire class of highly educated individuals and discouraging future generations from pursuing academic excellence. In the long run, this would be a disaster for Jammu and Kashmir, which relies on its intellectual capital to drive development and progress.
The exploitation is a grave injustice that must be corrected. The time for action is now, otherwise the consequences can become irreversible. The future of the nation depends on it.
Qurat Ul Ain is a PhD from the University of Kashmir
By Qurat Ul Ain
