Allegations of favoritism and policy violations rock Skill Development Department
*Circular directions and Transfer Policy are torn.
*Deployment is best example of corrupt practices.
JJ Correspondent
Jammu, May 25:
A growing wave of discontent is rippling through the ministerial staff of the Department of Skill Development, Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, over what is being described as blatant favoritism, misuse of administrative power, and systematic violations of transfer and promotion norms. The latest controversy surrounds a Junior Assistant who, within a span of two years, received four transfer orders — all aligning perfectly with his personal preferences — while other employees remain stranded in remote postings for over a decade.
Speaking to the correspondent of Jammu Jottings, a concerned group of staff members expressed deep anguish over what they allege to be long-standing irregularities, repeatedly brought to the attention of departmental officers and reported through the print media over the years — but never acted upon. They argue that these actions are not isolated incidents but part of a much deeper malaise rooted in influence and selective treatment.
The saga reportedly began during the posting of Bashir Ahmad Khan at the Directorate of Skill Development, where his proximity to senior officials allegedly paved the way for a highly questionable promotion. In 2006–07, Khan, along with two other Helpers — Mohd Fateh and Badyari — was elevated to the post of Junior Assistant on a ‘pick and choose’ basis, despite the absence of any formal provisions for such upward mobility. These promotions, which lacked prior approval from the Administrative or Finance Departments, were later declared irregular and put in abeyance through Government Order No. 55 Edu (Tech) of 2013, dated March 8, 2013.
However, to the surprise of many, that order was never implemented. Instead, the beneficiaries not only retained their posts but also received time-bound promotions to higher grades over the years — thereby solidifying their positions through the very system that had deemed them illegal.
What has further intensified the outcry is the chain of rapid and seemingly preferential transfers enjoyed by Khan. In August 2023, after nearly two decades, he was transferred from the Directorate to ITI Handwara (Order No. 393 of 2023). Less than a year later, in August 2024, he was shifted to ITI Hajin (Order No. 265 of 2024). This was followed by another move in May 2025 to Government Women ITI Bemina, Srinagar (Order No. 161 of 2025). Barely a week later, on May 20, 2025, Khan was once again transferred — this time to the J&K Board of Technical Education, Srinagar (Order No. 177 of 2025).
Significantly, both Government Women ITI Bemina and the Board of Technical Education are located in close proximity to one another, raising strong suspicions that these transfers were driven not by administrative requirements but by personal convenience. Employees argue that while others have remained posted far from their hometowns — often across three districts — for 10 to 15 years without relief, certain individuals appear to be enjoying an entirely different set of rules, thanks to their influence and connections within the system.
According to sources within the department, this is not the first instance of policy subversion. They point to another employee, transferred under dubious circumstances two decades ago, who still holds a powerful position in the Establishment Section — the very division responsible for issuing such transfer orders. His continued presence, they claim, perpetuates a cycle of favoritism and silence.
Amid growing unrest, the staff is calling upon the Director and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir UT to take immediate cognizance of the situation and order a fair and independent inquiry. They stress that such a step is essential not only to address the current grievances but to restore credibility and transparency in the functioning of a department that plays a crucial role in shaping the future of skill development in the Union Territory.
“The time has come to break this chain of silence and privilege,” said one senior staff member. “We hope the voice of the voiceless is finally heard, and that justice is not just promised, but delivered.”
