Srinagar, Aug 31: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) Vice Chancellor Dr Nazir Ahmed has said he will get the ongoing recruitment controversy examined, even as Registrar Prof Azmat Alam Khan dismissed allegations of irregularities, asserting that merit has been the sole guiding principle in the selection process.
The row pertains to recruitments for the posts of Editor, Print and Online Journalist, Media Producer & Editor, Cameraman, and Digital Press Operator, advertised under Notification No. 07 and 08 of 2023.
Aspirants have demanded cancellation of the selection process, alleging procedural irregularities, arbitrary changes to eligibility criteria, and favouritism.
Speaking to Kashmir Convener, Vice Chancellor Dr Nazir Ahmed said, “I will get it examined.” His assurance came amid mounting pressure on the university to address allegations that the recruitment process was altered mid-way to accommodate certain candidates.
Registrar Prof Azmat Alam Khan, however categorically rejected the allegations. “Merit always prevails,” he told The Kashmir Convener, terming the charges baseless and asserting that the university had followed due procedure at every stage of the selection exercise.
Notably, The controversy erupted after candidates took to social media with detailed accounts of procedural irregularities.
A senior Journalist Nisar Ahmad Dharma claimed that his friend was among eight candidates shortlisted for document verification in 2025 following the written examination for the Editor post. While five candidates fulfilled the eligibility criteria, three could not produce the required experience certificates.
“Instead of concluding the process, SKUAST-K announced another skill test in 2025 and invited a wider pool of applicants, including those who had been found ineligible earlier,” Dharma alleged. He further claimed that his friend had declined other career opportunities while awaiting the final result, only to be compelled to appear in a fresh skill test in early 2026, which he qualified again.
Allegations of favouritism have also surfaced, with social media posts suggesting that the selection process was delayed to accommodate certain “blue-eyed candidates.” One claim alleged that the final result for the Editor post was withheld after a preferred candidate could not join due to personal reasons. These claims remain unverified.
The Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) has reportedly stayed the recruitment process for the Cameraman post following a petition alleging that the selection was “shabby, arbitrary and tailor-made” to favour a particular candidate. The petitioner alleged that an ineligible candidate was brought back into contention and ultimately selected.
A CAG report had earlier flagged SKUAST-K for being “plagued by irregular appointments, favoritism and inadmissible financial up-gradations,” pointing to violations of UGC norms and relaxation of minimum standards for appointments.
Meanwhile, Aspirants have demanded fair selection and clearly defined recruitment rules which will give justice to deserving candidates.
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