SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) is currently experiencing a slowdown in its operations due to the delay in appointing a new Chairman following the retirement of the previous one last month, The Daily Excelsior reported. This delay has led to a pause in interviews, selection lists, and the postponement of exams scheduled after November 21st.
The impact of the delay is evident in the recruitment process for selected candidates, particularly affecting nearly 200 Assistant Professors recently chosen in the Higher Education and Health and Medical Education departments. The selection lists for these candidates have not progressed, causing frustration among those awaiting further developments.
An aspiring Assistant Professor in Environmental Science expressed concern as per The Daily Excelsior, stating, “It has been more than a month since I was selected, but there has been no progress.” Another Assistant Professor from Government Medical College in Srinagar echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the contrast between the expedited process during the former chairman’s tenure and the current state of limbo after his retirement.
In response to the challenges faced by the J&KPSC, candidates are now calling for the intervention of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to hasten the appointment of a new Chairman and other members, thereby restoring the agency’s functionality.
Compounding the issues is the shortage of members, with only two out of the six currently in place. An official stressed that having all members in position would enhance the overall functioning of the agency. The presence of different members overseeing distinct sections would facilitate a more effective delegation of power.
Responding to inquiries, Secretary of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission, Bashir Ahmad, assured that routine work is proceeding smoothly, with only interviews and examinations being affected. Regarding the delayed list of Assistant Professors, he said, “We are sending the list to concerned departments in a day or two.” Addressing concerns about member availability, he clarified that the current number is flexible and does not significantly impact the Commission’s functioning.
