University of Kashmir Faces Over 500 Vacant Positions Since 2016

University of Kashmir Faces Over 500 Vacant Positions Since 2016, Hindering Academic and Administrative Functions

Date: October 23, 2023

In a concerning development, the University of Kashmir has been grappling with a shortage of non-teaching staff for the past seven years, with over 500 positions remaining unfilled since 2016. This persistent staff deficiency has taken a toll on the university's academic and administrative duties, hindering its overall functioning.

The root cause of this critical shortage lies in the frequent retirements of non-teaching staff members. Each year, approximately 70 to 80 employees retire, compounding the existing staff gap and leaving crucial positions vacant. This issue has affected various departments within the university, causing significant challenges in their day-to-day operations.

University officials familiar with the situation, while speaking to The Excelsior said that out of the total 2,450 sanctioned non-teaching positions, including those at satellite campuses, only 1,900 are currently occupied. The remaining 550 positions have been vacant since 2016, primarily due to retirements of employees.

Departments such as Watch and Ward, sanitation, hostels, examination wing, and landscape division have been hit the hardest, with each department facing approximately 30 to 40 vacancies. These shortages have severely impacted the ability to maintain proper security, cleanliness, and organization within the university premises.

The administrative block, Alama Iqbal Library, and the research centre are also affected, with nearly 100 technical positions remaining unfilled. These vacant positions include roles like laboratory assistants, lab attendants, junior technical assistants, professional assistants, and computer assistants.

Furthermore, the shortfall of staff has also adversely affected the research work in the science department, hampering the progress and potential breakthroughs in ongoing projects. With limited resources and personnel to support scientific endeavors, the university's commitment to innovation and academic excellence is being compromised.

Despite ongoing efforts to address the issue and initiate the recruitment process, progress has been disappointingly slow, exacerbating the frustration among potential applicants eagerly waiting for opportunities. The delayed and protracted recruitment process has only added to the complexity of the situation, further hindering the university's ability to fill these critical vacancies.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir has declared the prompt filling of these vacant positions as a top priority. Efforts are being made to streamline the recruitment process and expedite the selection of suitable candidates to alleviate the staff shortage.

The University of Kashmir, known for its commitment to excellence in education and research, is working diligently to overcome this significant hurdle. By ensuring the availability of a competent and sufficient non-teaching staff, the university aims to enhance its academic environment, administrative efficiency, and overall growth.

Addressing this long-standing issue promptly will not only benefit the university community but also contribute to the upliftment of education standards and opportunities in the region. Stakeholders are hopeful that the necessary measures will be taken to fill these vacant positions at the University of Kashmir, fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence, innovation, and overall development.

Source: Kashmir Life