Kashmir University Under Fire:Two-Day Notice for Interviews Sparks Outrage
By Meer Altaf Hussain
Srinagar, Nov 18 : Barely a week after facing criticism for postponing interviews for assistant professor positions, Kashmir University (KU) finds itself embroiled in another controversy. The university issued an interview notice for the posts of assistant professor in Geography and Commerce just two days before the scheduled date, sparking outrage among candidates and raising serious questions about the institution’s management.
According to a notice issued by the Deputy Registrar, Recruitment, KU, on November 18, 2024, candidates shortlisted for the interviews have been informed that the process will be held on November 20, 2024, at the Vice-Chancellor’s Secretariat, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar.
The notice, uploaded on the university’s official website, states: “Call letters have been sent to the shortlisted candidates at their respective email addresses mentioned by them in their application forms.” However, the candidates allege that the short notice period is both “unconstitutional and illegal.”
Candidates Speak Out
Aggrieved candidates have criticized the university’s “total malfunctioning,” pointing out that it is customary to provide at least a week’s notice for such interviews.
“Notifying interviews just 48 hours in advance raises serious questions about the functioning of the university. Many candidates are in-service professionals who require time to secure leave or permissions, while others need to make costly travel arrangements,” said one candidate on condition of anonymity.
Another candidate added, “This last-minute notice leaves no room for planning. It highlights a complete disregard for candidates’ convenience and fairness.”
As per the KU Act, even members of the selection committee must be informed at least 10 days prior to interviews, a rule the candidates claim has been blatantly violated.
Ethical Concerns in VC’s Final Months
The decision to hold these interviews just months before the Vice-Chancellor’s tenure ends has drawn criticism from former faculty and administrative experts.
“Typically, Vice-Chancellors avoid policy decisions and interviews during the last six months of their term to maintain ethical integrity. The urgency here is unprecedented and raises legitimate doubts about the motives behind these actions,” said a former KU faculty member.
Sources within the university expressed surprise at the situation, noting that this comes in the wake of last week’s last-minute postponement of interviews for similar positions due to “administrative issues.” The fresh notice has only deepened skepticism about the fairness of the selection process.
Public Outcry and Calls for Intervention
Candidates have urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Education Minister Sakina Masood Itoo to intervene and address the “mismanagement” at the university.
“This hasty process reflects poorly on the institution’s credibility. Such actions undermine public trust and create unnecessary hurdles for deserving candidates,” said another affected applicant.
The repeated controversies surrounding recruitment processes at KU have put the university’s administration under intense scrutiny. Stakeholders are demanding immediate reforms to ensure transparent, fair, and well-organized hiring procedures.
Conclusion
The back-to-back controversies at Kashmir University highlight a systemic issue in its recruitment and administrative practices. Candidates, faculty, and public figures are now looking for decisive action from higher authorities to restore confidence in the institution and prevent future mismanagement.
For now, the university’s credibility hangs in the balance as candidates await answers and corrective measures.
