Srinagar, June 30: In a gross violation of well-established norms governing recruitments, the University of Kashmir is mulling conversion of the sanctioned posts of Public Relations Officers and Liason Officers for the Convocation Complex into some ‘technical positions’.
A proposal to this effect has been mooted by the Director Convocation Complex for “sympathetic consideration” by the Registrar, drawing flak from the aspirants and varsity officials alike.
The proposal, described by insiders as “illegal,” surfaces nearly two years after the posts of PRO and Liason Officers were duly advertised by the KU and the short-listed candidates were called for interviews, which were however postponed many a time.
“It is to state that sometime ago the positions (PRO and Liaison officers) along with supervisor were advertised by KU, but so far no selections have been made, the reason best known to the authorities. Keeping in view the above facts and recommendations, suggestions of the undersigned in view the request of the officials needs sympathetic consideration for determining their clear-cut career paths to be achieved in future years. It is therefore once again recommended that if approved one post of PRO out of two and three posts of Liaison Officer out of four may be converted into technical and non-technical and their salaries be adjusted from the available posts converted under proper procedures and regulations,” the proposal reads.
The posts were advertised in mid 2009 following which short-listed candidates were called for interviews. However, the interviews were postponed for unknown reasons.
According to the sources, the proposed conversion is aimed at favouring a few “blue-eyed” persons working on some technical positions in the varsity, especially in the Convocation Complex. “You just cannot convert the posts after having called the candidates for interview. This is grossly illegal,” said a varsity officer, wishing anonymity. “The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Talat Ahmad, must inquire why such a proposal was mooted in the first place. The Chancellor must also intervene to see why the sanctioned posts, for which many candidates have applied through proper procedure and payment of fee, are being converted in a clandestine manner after two years.”
‘Will inquire’
When contacted, the KU Vice-Chancellor, Prof Talat Ahmad, said the matter would be looked into. “I have to look into this. I have joined recently. I am not aware of many things happening around,” he told Greater Kashmir.
Asked if it was permissible to convert sanctioned posts after calling the candidates for interviews, he said: “Normally it is not. But I assure you that if it is there, I’ll do whatever will be just and fair. But I will have to first look into the issue.”

Lastupdate on : Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Thu, 30 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Fri, 1 Jul 2011 00:00:00 IST