Srinagar, October 30: A group of candidates who had applied for the posts of Chairperson and Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Commission for Protection of Child Rights (JKCPCR) have alleged serious irregularities in the recently issued shortlist published by the Social Welfare Department on October 25, 2025.
In a joint representation submitted to the Selection Committee through the Commissioner/Secretary, Social Welfare Department, the candidates have raised questions over the transparency, objectivity, and procedural fairness of the shortlisting process for these statutory positions.
While appreciating the government’s move to operationalize the JKCPCR under the Commissions for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005 and the J&K Rules, 2022, the applicants said the shortlisting exercise appears to have deviated from the officially notified selection criteria as per Advertisement Notice No. SWD-ICPS/55/2021 dated 18.10.2024.
According to the notified selection matrix, evaluation was to be carried out on a 100-point scale — with 60 points for academic merit, 20 for experience, and 20 for viva voce — with clearly defined sub-criteria for graduation, post-graduation, higher qualifications (M.Phil/Ph.D.), and relevant experience.
However, the aggrieved candidates allege that several ineligible or less meritorious applicants have found place in the shortlist, while highly qualified and experienced candidates have been arbitrarily excluded without any official explanation.
The representation also cites a lack of transparency in the working of the screening committee, pointing out that no public disclosure was made regarding the evaluation method or marking parameters. Candidates have further expressed apprehension that political or extraneous influences may have shaped the shortlist, thereby undermining the credibility of the process.
Of particular concern, the representation notes, is the inclusion of candidates from management backgrounds, while those with expertise in education, child psychology, juvenile justice, child development, and related domains — as specifically envisaged under Section 17(b) of the Child Rights Protection Act, 2005 — have been excluded without justification.
Terming the omissions a violation of the principles of natural justice, the candidates have urged the Social Welfare Department to Re-scrutinize all applications afresh in strict accordance with the advertised eligibility and merit criteria.
The also called for ensuring adherence to the qualifications outlined in Section 17(b) of the Act and review of the composition and functioning of the screening committee.
Candidates also urged the department to Publish a transparent shortlist indicating each candidate’s marks and credentials besides deferring the interviews scheduled for November 10–11, 2025, until the process is reviewed and rectified.
The aggrieved candidates expressed hope that the administration will take swift corrective measures to ensure transparency, merit, and fairness in constituting the Commission — an institution crucial for safeguarding the rights and welfare of children across Jammu and Kashmir.
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