KU delays advertising vacant administrative positions, draws flak

Srinagar, Jan 5: The authorities at Kashmir University (KU) continues to delay advertising vacant administrative positions including that of Registrar for more than a year, drawing flak from academicians.
Insiders said that more than a year has passed since the post of Registrar fell vacant but the authorities are not making any effort to put the post to advertisement despite demands for the same.
Since January last year, when the three year term of Registrar Dr. Nisar ended, the J&K LG as University Chancellor issued instructions that Dr. Nisar shall continue till the new VC joins the University.
However, insiders say, Dr. Nisar continues to hold the charge of Registrar allegedly without any official orders on his continuation as In-Charge Registrar.
“We have not seen any official order regarding continuation of In-Charge Registrar,” said a KU academician, wishing anonymity. “The temporary arrangement on the important administrative position like Registrar is not good for the institution.”
The other posts which are vacant include Director IT, Director North Campus and Director DIQA which haven’t been advertised despite repeated requests to the Vice Chancellor by stakeholders to end the temporary arrangement.
Insiders said that In-Charge IT Director is holding the charge since 2016 in total violation of the three year rotation policy for all heads of departments, coordinators and directors.
The official is accused of misusing his proximity with the administrative department of the Kashmir University to stay on the chair despite serious allegations related to his Ph.D Degree and grant of huge amount of money as medical reimbursement to him in violation of Medical Reimbursement Rules.
Furthermore, the “One Person One Post” policy has taken a hit during the present regime led by Dr. Neelofar Khan, VC Kashmir University as many teachers have been given additional charges which is hampering their teaching and research assignments.
Citing different examples to buttress their argument, insiders said HOD Sociology is holding charge of Dean Student’s Welfare while Coordinator NSS is holding charge of Director Physical Education. One Joint Registrar is holding charge of Health Centre in total violation of rules since he is from a totally different field, insiders say. Librarian is holding charge of HOD Political Sciences and Dean Research is holding additional charge of Dean Social Sciences.
The demand for filling up administrative posts through proper advertisement has come amid cancellation of two recruitment processes at the Kashmir University by LG Manoj Sinha last year following serious complaints of fraud in the recruitment process and violation of recruitment norms.
“Recently, the VC has stated in media that the matter was in consideration and all positions will be filled by the end of March. But then the varsity should have issued some notifications in this regard so that the process would be completed by March ending,” a KU Professor said.
Meanwhile, the VC Kashmir University (KU) could not be contacted as she has recently gone for vacations to Australia. (KNO)