Controversy at University of Kashmir: VC Accused of Tenure Violation and Recruitment Irregularities
The University of Kashmir is currently facing internal disputes concerning Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof. Nilofer Khan’s tenure and proposed faculty recruitment plans. Faculty members have raised concerns that Prof. Khan, who assumed office on May 19, 2022, is approaching the statutory retirement age of 65 on January 31, 2025, which would necessitate her stepping down before completing her three-year term ending on May 19, 2025.
According to the university’s regulations, the maximum age limit for the VC position is 65 years. This policy was highlighted in a 2021 incident where the then VC, Prof. Talat Ahmad, continued in office beyond the age limit, leading to discussions about adherence to the university’s statutes.
In addition to tenure concerns, faculty members have expressed apprehension over proposed faculty recruitment processes. They allege that the administration plans to expedite recruitment in the final months of Prof. Khan’s tenure, potentially bypassing established University Grants Commission (UGC) norms. Similar allegations surfaced in July 2024, when the university was accused of circumventing UGC guidelines to accommodate temporary fellowship awardees as Associate Professors.
These developments have sparked debates within the academic community about governance, adherence to statutory regulations, and the integrity of recruitment processes at the University of Kashmir.
