| CAG points out irregularities in appointments in SKUAST-Kashmir, Jammu | | | Early Times Report
Jammu, Mar 30: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India has exposed mass irregularities in the appointments and promotions in the two prestigious agricultural universities of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir,
The CAG observed that the human resources function of the universities was far from satisfactory and was plagued by irregular appointments, favoritism, and inadmissible financial up-gradations.
The CAG further observed that relaxing the minimum standards for appointments and promotions of teachers compromised the quality of teaching and research in the universities.
“Lateral entry to teaching positions from lower technical positions deprived the universities of availing the benefits of recruiting meritorious teachers through open advertisements. Extension of undue benefits due to excess drawl of pay, allowances, and entitlements led to financial strain on the state coffers”, the CAG observed.
In its latest report tabled in Parliament, the CAG detected illegalities and irregularities in recruitment, promotions, and allowances in Jammu & Kashmir’s two prestigious agricultural varsities- SKUAST (Kashmir) and SKUAST (Jammu).
The CAG has exposed wrongdoings by the SKUAST authorities in appointments, promotions, and entitlements over the years, raising serious questions over silence on J&K’s successive regimes over their affairs.
The CAG report detected that both universities violated UGC norms for the direct appointment of teachers and filled these posts through lateral entry.
“The mandatory criteria for appointment and career advancement of teachers was diluted. Pre-mature promotions, the inadmissible benefit of career advancement scheme, incorrect pay fixations, inadmissible allowances, and entitlements, resulted in an extra financial burden to the government exchequer,” reads the report.
University statutes provide for filling up of the post of Accounts Assistant by direct recruitment. After undergoing a training course of one year on a monthly stipend, the selected candidates were to be granted a regular pay scale.
Audit noticed that in violation of Statutes, thirteen persons initially engaged in consolidated pay in SKUAST-K were deputed (November 1995) for the training course conducted by Accountancy Training School (ATS), and on completion of training, they were appointed (January 1997) as Accounts Assistants. |
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