In year 2017, Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA) advertised dozens of posts. Aspirants say that in 2018 they were shortlisted after a written test but the department has still not conducted the interviews for the posts.
A group of aspirants told the Greater Kashmir that in September 2017, JAKEDA, which comes under the Department of Science and Technology, advertised various posts including Senior Technical Officer, Assistant Engineer, Junior Assistant among others for which a written exam was conducted in early 2018.
Aspirants say that despite passing of a year, the department is sleeping on conducting interview of the shortlisted candidates.
“The process has started in 2017 and we are in 2019, we don’t understand why are the posts advertised if the department is not serious, scores of engineering graduates are waiting for what could be their only hope of livelihood as many of them are at the verge of crossing the age bar”, said Ahmad Mudasir, an aspirant.
“We made representations to various officials, but other than excuses we have heard nothing”, he said.
The aspirants said that they approached the grievance cell of the J&K government but no one is replying to their pleas. “We have tried every possible way, no one is addressing our issue, the state is already facing dearth in jobs and in such situation this non-serious approach in recruitment is unfortunate”, they said.
Secretary science and technology department, Sheikh Fayaz Ahmed, did not respond to calls from this reporter. The cell phone of CEO JAKEDA was switched off, the officer could not be reached through the office landline despite several attempts.