Violation of recruitment rules sparks controversy over Principal appointment in Govt Polytechnic
*Storm brews over flouting of recruitment rules in Skill Development Department: Question marks over illegal retention of non-eligible officer as Principal of Government Polytechnic.
*Principals demand inquiry into alleged Recruitment Rule violations, call for immediate reversion of ineligible officer.
JJ Correspondent
Jammu, May 26: A major controversy has erupted within the Skill Development Department as serious allegations of favoritism and violation of Recruitment Rules have surfaced regarding the appointment of Ms. Shafaqat Ara as Principal of a Government Polytechnic. The issue has raised significant concerns among senior officials, stakeholders, and aspiring candidates, as it strikes at the very heart of transparency, merit, and integrity in public service appointments.
Recruitment Rules are designed to act as the foundation of fairness in government appointments, ensuring that only those who meet established academic and professional criteria are selected or promoted. For the post of Principal in Government Polytechnic institutions, the rules are explicit and leave no room for ambiguity. As per the existing guidelines, only candidates from Class III A & B (i.e., Heads of Departments and Workshop Superintendents) possessing at least a Degree in Engineering or its equivalent, along with five years of experience, are eligible for consideration. Preference is also given to those holding a Master’s degree in Engineering or Technical Education.
In complete contravention of these well-defined criteria, Ms. Shafaqat Ara, who does not possess an engineering degree and comes from a non-technical background, was not only considered but controversially appointed as Principal, raising serious questions about the recruitment process. More shocking is the fact that her candidature was rejected by the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) and Public Service Commission (PSC) on grounds of ineligibility. Yet, she continues to hold the post—a development many see as a blatant case of undue political or administrative favoritism.
The matter further escalated when Ms. Ara filed a writ petition (O.A No. 902/2023) before the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Srinagar, seeking confirmation of her appointment. The Tribunal, however, dismissed her plea and directed the government to issue a “speaking order.” Complying with the directions, the Administrative Department issued Govt. Order No. 23-JK (DSD) of 2024 dated April 18, 2024, officially rejecting her claim as “devoid of merit.”
Despite the rejection by both the judiciary and administrative machinery, her continued retention in the post of Principal is unlawful and has sparked widespread resentment among the eligible senior faculty and stakeholders. Many allege that her initial promotion as Head of Department (HOD) in Food Technology was based on a 3-year graduate diploma—a qualification she allegedly never possessed—bringing into question the legitimacy of her entire career progression.
Aggrieved Principals and senior staff from various polytechnic institutes across the region have voiced strong objections, claiming that Ms. Ara has consistently used her influence to manipulate postings, allegedly installing individuals of her choice in key positions and bypassing more deserving candidates. They argue that such misuse of authority not only demoralizes hardworking officials but also erodes the credibility of the education system.
The group has now formally demanded strict and immediate enforcement of Recruitment Rules. They are urging the government to revert Ms. Ara from the post of Principal without further delay. Additionally, they are calling for the constitution of a high-level inquiry committee to thoroughly investigate the alleged misrepresentation of qualifications, irregular promotions, and favoritism that have marred the functioning of the Technical Education Department.
This issue has ignited a broader debate on the urgent need to uphold rule-based governance and meritocracy in public sector education. The concerned authorities must act decisively and transparently to restore public faith in institutional integrity. At a time when the education sector is striving for excellence and accountability, such glaring violations must not be allowed to persist unchecked.
