The Higher Education Department (HED) in Jammu and Kashmir is facing mounting criticism over alleged disregard for merit and seniority in the posting of Principals across several prime Government Degree Colleges (GDCs), particularly in the Jammu region.
Reliable sources within the HED reveal a stark contrast in the pattern of postings between the two provinces. “By and large, seniority remains intact in the appointment of Principals to GDCs in the Kashmir province, including prominent city colleges and those in close proximity”.
This crucial criterion appears to have been overlooked in the Jammu region, where principals placed far lower in the seniority list have been adjusted in prime city colleges, a senior official said, requesting anonymity.
The concern gains weight when viewed against the seniority-cum-merit list issued vide G.O. 270–JK (HE) of 2022 dated 21-12-2022. Among the top 10, three principals from Kashmir are heading key Srinagar colleges, including GCW, MA Road (8), Islamia College (09), and Government College of Education (11).
In contrast, except for GCW Parade and GCW Gandhi Nagar (on basis of seniority not merit), most premier Jammu colleges—SPMR, Commerce College, MAM College, GGM Science College and GCOE are headed by principals ranked significantly lower, at serial numbers 14, 52, 38, and 102.
Referring to the seniority list which was recently release by HED vide G.O. 84–JK (HE) of 2026 dated March 27, 2026, one of the Principal posted in a marginalized college emphatically said,” It has no meaning if not implemented in letter and spirit”.
Academicians warn that if such practices persist, they may benefit a select few but could undermine the broader objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.
“This trend, if allowed to continue, will play havoc with the goals envisioned under NEP 2020 and Higher Education as whole”, cautioned one academician who retired as Director Colleges.
Adding to the concern, sources said that owing to this “sorry state of affairs,” even the crucial post of Director Colleges is currently being managed on an ad hoc basis.
Allegations are doing the rounds that to facilitate placement of a “Man Friday”, a coterie is manoeuvring to scuttle the elevation of a meritorious candidate possessing a strong administrative and academic profile and the vision to lead the role of Director Colleges.
Expressing concern several retired academicians have also expressed concern, attributing declining academic standards and rising indiscipline in GDCs to such deviations.
“There was a time when only seasoned academicians with proven administrative capability and seniority were entrusted with leading prestigious colleges. That ensured both discipline and academic excellence,” remarked a retired Principal.
Meanwhile, pointing prolonged deputation of several principals to Cluster Universities in both Srinagar and Jammu as another troubling trend, one officer of HED preferring anonymity said “What is the rationale behind extending deputations period beyond deputation rules for and repeatedly shifting principals to Cluster Universities when many GDCs continue to remain headless due to non availability of permanent and I/C Principals”.
Candidates who are refusing to go to rural colleges and areas, where they belong from are being adjusted as Deans and Directors randomly superseding the senior Principals and faculty, further added sources.
Neither the Commissioner Secretary, HED, nor the Special Secretary replied to our calls or WhatsApp messages on the issue. The news item will be updated as and when they respond.
JK Global News Take: With discontent brewing within academic circles, there is a growing demand for transparency and uniformity in postings to restore institutional credibility and uphold merit-based governance in higher education.