KU applicants in PHC category appeal for relaxation in eligibility criteria

Srinagar, Nov 17: A group of physically handicapped (PHC) aspirants has appealed to the University of Kashmir (KU) to reconsider the eligibility criteria for the posts of Junior Assistant (Non-Teaching) advertised through Notification No 05 of 2023 dated April 27, 2023.

The applicants, who hold Master’s degrees in various subjects and include NET and JRF qualifiers, said that the minimum 50 percent marks in graduation required for submitting the online application has disqualified many deserving candidates in the PHC category.

Terming the criteria “unjust and discriminatory,” the aspirants said there is an “inherent difference between the circumstances of a general category applicant and a physically handicapped applicant,” and that the same benchmark should not be applied uniformly.

“We respectfully request the university authorities to allow submission of applications from PHC candidates with 45 percent marks in graduation,” the applicants said in their representation. “We are at the last stage of the age limit and remain unemployed. On humanitarian grounds, we appeal for relaxation so we are not deprived of our right to compete.”

The applicants said that the university has advertised 61 posts of Junior Assistant, and said there was still sufficient scope to allow PHC candidates to apply without disturbing the recruitment process.

They said that no written test for these posts has been conducted for a long time, adding to the urgency of their situation.

“We urge the Vice Chancellor and Registrar to consider our grievance with compassion and allow us to submit our applications. We are disabled applicants seeking justice and equal opportunity,” they said.