Mr Omar Abdullah
Hon’ble Chief Minister
UT of Jammu and Kashmir
Subject: Save the heritage institution of Kashmir University: Request for immediate intervention to halt unethical recruitment practices
Respected Sir,
We, the undersigned members of the academic fraternity of the University of Kashmir, write to you with utmost urgency and concern regarding recent developments that threaten the sanctity of this premier institution, which has been a cornerstone of education in Jammu and Kashmir. As stewards of academic excellence and heritage, it is our duty to bring to your attention the troubling actions of the current Vice Chancellor, Prof Neelofer Khan, who is retiring on 31st January 2025 upon reaching the upper age limit of 65 years, despite her original tenure being set until 13th May 2025.
It has come to our knowledge that, with just two months remaining in her tenure, Prof Khan, in collaboration with a few favoured individuals, has hastily scheduled interviews for fresh faculty appointments under suspicious circumstances. This move not only disregards established norms but also raises serious questions about the integrity and merit of the selection process.
Key Issues
Hasty and Questionable Scheduling of Interviews: On 18th November 2024, the Deputy Registrar (Recruitment) issued a notice (No. KU/Rect/Interview/24) scheduling interviews for Geography and Commerce just two days later, on 20th November 2024. This abrupt scheduling has left candidates unprepared and raised legitimate concerns about the fairness of the process. It is widely accepted that candidates should be given at least 7–10 days’ notice to prepare, secure permissions, and arrange travel, particularly for in-service candidates.
Violation of Established Norms and Ethical Practices: As per the Kashmir University / UGC norms, a Vice-Chancellor nearing the end of their tenure is ethically bound to refrain from major administrative decisions, including recruitment, particularly during the last six months. Despite this, Prof Khan has shown unusual urgency to conduct these interviews, allegedly to fulfill personal commitments and accommodate specific individuals.
Public and Media Outcry
Local dailies have highlighted this issue extensively, criticizing the university’s mismanagement and raising alarms over the transparency of the recruitment process. The lack of proper notice and adherence to guidelines has further fueled suspicions of favouritism and malpractice, tarnishing the reputation of this prestigious institution.
Pending Promotions Under Career Advancement Scheme (CAS)
While Prof Khan prioritizes fresh recruitments, senior faculty members eligible for promotions under the Career Advancement Scheme (CAS) have been waiting for years. Unlike fresh appointments, CAS promotions are governed by distinct UGC norms and are not bound by the same restrictions. However, these promotions have been indefinitely delayed, causing widespread frustration among deserving faculty members.
Our Appeal
Sir, we humbly request your immediate intervention to address the following:
Halt All Fresh Recruitment Processes: Direct the university authorities to pause all selection processes for fresh faculty positions until a new Vice-Chancellor is appointed. This will ensure accountability and transparency under long-term leadership.
Resume CAS Promotions for Senior Faculty
Allow the university to conduct long-pending CAS interviews for eligible senior faculty members, as these are governed by different norms and do not compromise the institution’s integrity.
Investigate Mismanagement and Alleged Favouritism
Initiate an inquiry into the recent actions of the Vice Chancellor’s office to address allegations of favouritism and ensure that due process is followed in all administrative matters.
Sir, the University of Kashmir is not just an educational institution; it is a heritage symbol that has been nurtured through decades of investment by the state exchequer. Allowing these unethical practices to continue will not only tarnish its reputation but also demoralize the academic community and deprive students of merit-based education. Prof Neelofer Khan, who has already retired from her previous role as a professor and availed pensionary benefits, is reported to be leaving for Australia post-retirement. This makes it imperative that immediate steps are taken to prevent her from making irreversible decisions that could harm the university’s long-term interests. We trust your esteemed office to act decisively to protect this premier institution.
This representation is made purely in the interest of academic integrity and to safeguard the future of the University of Kashmir.
Yours sincerely,
The Academic Fraternity of the University of Kashmir
Dr Farooq Ahmad, Prof Shah, Prof S. Qadri, Dr Nazir Ahmad, Dr Manzoor Ahmad and other senior faculty members.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, Farooq Ahmad Shah, and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the newspaper. The newspaper is not responsible for any errors or omissions, nor for the results obtained from the use of this information.