The selection process for the coveted post of Director Colleges in the Higher Education Department has come under scrutiny after allegations of bias and favouritism surfaced over the reported shortlisting of a candidate who allegedly does not meet the crucial eligibility requirement of three years’ substantive service as Principal, as prescribed under the Jammu and Kashmir Education (Gazetted) College Service Recruitment Rules, 2026.
A few Principals, speaking to JK Global News on the condition of anonymity, said that five senior-most Principals were called for interaction by the Selection Committee in Srinagar on Wednesday.
“However, we were surprised to find that a candidate who has reportedly completed only about two years and two months of service as Principal was also called for interaction. This has strengthened our apprehensions about rumours doing the rounds about hectic lobbying in corridors of power for the candidate in question,” they alleged.
Another Principal shortlisted for the post claimed that the candidate in question had remained on deputation with Cluster University of Jammu for a prolonged period before being included in the selection list of Principals in December 2022 and subsequently continued as a Dean after a short stint of less than 3 years as Principal in one of the GDC in Jammu region.
The allegations have brought the Jammu and Kashmir Education (Gazetted) College Service Recruitment Rules, 2026, notified vide S.O. 125 dated April 29, 2026, by the Higher Education Department with the approval of the Lieutenant Governor, into sharp focus.
The Rules provide that no person shall be eligible for appointment by selection unless he or she possesses the prescribed qualifications and fulfils other requirements of recruitment stipulated under the Rules and Government orders in force.
More significantly, Schedule II of the notified Rules, prescribing the method of recruitment for Director Colleges, states that the appointment shall be made “by selection on the basis of merit, suitability, seniority and integrity from amongst the Principals of Colleges with at least 3 years’ substantive service as such and recommended by a Selection Committee from amongst the panel of five senior-most Principals.”
Officials familiar with the recruitment rules, speaking on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to comment publicly, maintained that the expression “three years’ substantive service as such” refers specifically to service rendered in the capacity of Principal of a College and does not include service rendered under another designation or during an assignment on deputation.
According to the officials, the three-year substantive-service requirement constitutes a mandatory eligibility condition rather than merely a desirable qualification.
“If a candidate who has not fulfilled this prescribed condition has been shortlisted, the matter could invite scrutiny regarding compliance with the notified recruitment rules and the transparency of the selection process,” said a person familiar with the selection exercise.
The controversy assumes significance as the post of Director Colleges has acquired greater importance following implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Academicians familiar with the HED said the favoritism and nepotism has already done severe damage to our education system. Now, present academic and administrative challenges make it imperative that the post is filled by a candidate possessing strong administrative acumen, institutional experience and a clear vision for implementing the reforms envisaged under NEP 2020.
The six-member Selection Committee constituted by the Government is headed by the Commissioner-Secretary, HED and comprises the Special Secretary, HED, Director Finance, HED, and one representative each from the Law Department, ARI & Trainings and the General Administration Department.
The Committee has shortlisted Dr. Satinder Kour, Dr. Kulvinder Kour, Dr. Kuldeep, Dr. Twinkle Suri and Prof. Kuldeep Kumar Sharma for interaction.
The official response of the Chairman of the Selection Committee was awaited at the time of filing this report. Repeated phone calls and a WhatsApp message sent by JK Global News seeking his comments did not elicit any response. The report will be updated as and when the Selection Committee or the Higher Education Department furnishes its official version.