SRINAGAR: In a significant development, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, through its Higher Education Department, has issued a government order to enhance the age of superannuation for university professors. This decision, taken by the Administrative Council under the Chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, J&K, elevates the retirement age from 62 to 65 years.
The government’s decision aims to recognise the invaluable expertise and experience possessed by university professors and provide them with a longer tenure to contribute to the academic landscape of the region. By extending the retirement age, the government hopes to retain qualified and dedicated faculty members who can continue to enrich the teaching, research, and administrative aspects of the universities.
To ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation process, a committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, J&K. Government Order No. 183-JK (HE) of 2023, dated July 3, 2023, outlines the committee’s responsibilities, which include reviewing each professor’s case individually and making decisions regarding age enhancement on a case-by-case basis.
The committee will assess the performance of university professors based on several key parameters before they reach the age of 62 years. These parameters include evaluating the overall performance of the professor, considering their physical and mental health conditions in relation to teaching and research responsibilities, assessing their conduct and behavior with a focus on integrity as per Civil Service Regulations, examining their teaching contributions such as feedback from students and the adoption of innovative pedagogical approaches, and analyzing their academic achievements such as publications, participation in seminars/conferences/workshops, development of new syllabus and courses, patents, consultancy assignments, awards, fellowships, positions held, and more.
Moreover, the committee will also consider the research contributions of professors, including the number of research publications in reputed journals, the enrollment and successful completion of Ph.D. candidates, and involvement in research projects and fellowships. Lastly, the committee will take into account the professor’s contribution to the institution, including their participation in university committees and other notable contributions.
