JAMMU: With uncertainty looming large on extension in tenure, the Jammu University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Manoj Kumar Dhar has initiated a mega selection drive which has raised eye brows of many academicians and stakeholders in the campus.
As per details available on JU website, the varsity authorities is conducting interview for selections of 13 Assistant Professors in faculties which includes Computer Science(1), Zoology(1), Buddhist(1), Physical Education(3), Urdu (3), Librarian (1), Bio-Chemistry (2) and Microbiology (1).
Besides selection of 5 Associate Professor in teaching departments which includes Physics (1), Computer Science (2), Botany (1), History (1) and 1 post of Professor in Botany.
Reliable JU sources alleged “The interview also slated to fill 2 vacancies of Assistant Professor one each in Microbiology and Biochemistry in school of Biotechnology where incumbent VC is a Professor. There are rumors of appointing favourites of VC in school of Biotechnology in the discipline of biochemistry and microbiology”.
“There is every possibility to succumb under pressure during selection process from external elements when one continues to hold position of VC after expiry of term and tragically sans any official order of extension” said JU faculty member who also served as Registrar in the campus.
Confiding anonymity a senior officer of JU administration said “Prof. Dhar seems to be in hurry to conclude selection process of teachers despite the fact that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha secretariat has yet not ratify continuance on VC post beyond completion of 3 years tenure”
As per the communication of LG office bearing order No:GS-3 (Appt-VC)/JU/2018/794-797 dated 12/2/2021 issued by Principal Secretary to LG, Nitishwar Kumar, the 3 years term of incumbent Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof. Manoj Kumar Dhar has expired on July 24th, 2021.
Interestingly, the JU authorities now exhibit its promptness to conduct interview for those vacant posts which were lost in oblivion since its advertisement 2 years ago. It’s strange to see that when there is no clarion call on continuance of incumbent VC, the authority is conducting interview for 3 posts of teachers in Computer Science Department which were advertised vide notice No: Adm/TW//C&R/19/482-530 dated 26-07-2019.
The VC never bothered to accord approval for conducting interview of these 3 posts and suddenly develop eagerness to complete the selection process at a time when he himself have not accorded extension in tenure.
Moreover, conducting interview for posts which were advertised 2 years ago itself shows fishy plans of authorities, alleged an officer of JU preferring anonymity. “The delay to conduct selection process for 2 years has lost its relevance and it’s a gross injustice with fresh candidates who become eligible during that period, while creating a fluid condition of uncertainty to candidates who have already applied, he added.
The academicians and stake holders in Jammu University has sought intervention of LG Manoj Sinha for keeping this mega selection process of teachers in JU on hold until air on extension of incumbent VC gets settled.
Lack of clarity from LG office on extension even after the term of incumbent VC has expired on 24th, July 2021 results in fluid situation in the campus and the decision of the authorities to continue with selection process of teachers will certainly defeat the much talked government claims of transparency and accountability in governance of Union Territory of J&K, said one of the candidate appearing for interview.
It would not be out of place to mention here that majority of academicians in JU aggrieved with burgeoning nepotism and favouritism in the functioning of JU in the last 3 years and thus aspiring for non local academician to head this institution as Vice Chancellor.
There are wide ranging allegations against Prof. Dhar for executing several significant tasks in cahoot with coterie of sycophants besides appointing juniors to head vital posts at the cost of deserving and senior most faculty members.
From creation of post to adjust his favorite to frequent shuffling of Registrars, Controller of Examination, Director Colleges Development, Director Distance Education and appointing in charge Librarian ignoring deserving faculty members is just tip of ice berg. There are wide ranging allegations against Prof. Dhar for reckless utilisation of Rs 33 crore released as first installment of sanctioned Rs 100 crore funds under RUSA.
Attempts to seek VC, Prof. Manoj Dhar view point on the issue couldn’t materialise despite our best efforts.