University of Ladakh’s advertisement for teaching positions | Research Scholars Forum concerned over ‘lack of clarity in recruitment process’

Kargil, Jan 4: Ladakh Research Scholars Forum (LRSF) has raised concerns over lack of clarity and some other issues in the recent advertisement for teaching positions issued by the University of Ladakh's (UoL).

The forum states that there are apparent uncertainties regarding the recruitment rules and the roster followed in the reservation of posts. The LRSF recently in its meeting and through memorandum to several stakeholders have raised concerns about the recruitment process and clarity. One of the primary concerns raised by LRSF was the lack of clarity in the recruitment process, particularly in terms of the reservation roster. " The university must follow a fair and well-defined reservation roster to ensure that all the subjects are given equal weight. It is not clear if ST candidates from all over the country would be considered for the posts reserved for STs in the University of Ladakh. It is a matter of fact that state universities all over the country consider only the native STs for recruitment against ST seats. With the status of the University being that of a Cluster University as of date, the recruitment rules of the UGC followed in letter and spirit have the potential to deprive the educated and eligible youths of an opportunity to serve in the University of Ladakh, " the LRSF said in its memorandum. They said University authorities as well as the Ladakh Administration must have a clear vision in this regard. LRSF called upon the University of Ladakh to provide clear and comprehensive information about the recruitment rules and roster being followed for the advertised teaching posts. Transparency in the selection process is essential not only for the benefit of the applicants but also for building trust within the community, they said.

Ladakh Research Scholars Forum (LRSF) urged University of Ladakh to engage in a dialogue with stakeholders, including community representatives and concerned individuals, to address these issues and work towards a more transparent and inclusive recruitment process.

They also urge public representatives especially Chairman/CECs of LAHDC Leh and Kargil as well as Member of Parliament to take up the matter with the Chancellor University of Ladakh Brig (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) and Vice-Chancellor, University of Ladakh and to ensure that the recruitments are held in a fair and transparent manner.

Reacting to the concerns raised by the LRSF, President Jamiat Ul Ulama Isna Asharia (JUIAK) Kargil, Ladakh Sheikh Nazir Mehdi said that this is very unfair to “our Ladakh students especially Kargil students”. He requested the authorities to reconsider this.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil Dr Mohd Jaffer Akoon on Thursday held a meeting with Vice Chancellor, University of Ladakh, Dr SK Mehta to discuss the issues raised by scholars of Kargil.. During the meeting many issues were discussed including reservation of ST posts only for ST Ladakh, ambiguity in seat distribution, display of reservation roaster for the recent advertisement, regularisation of casual labourers of UoL. CEC Kargil requested the VC UoL to look into the matter seriously to address the concern of scholars. Dr Jaffer said that due to the odd geographical constraints of Ladakh and less employment opportunities, preference should be given the local scholars to meet the unemployment issue in the region. The CEC also said that many scholars have been already teaching on contractual basis in various colleges and have rich experience in teaching. He added that keeping in view their experience, preference should be given to them. CEC stressed to address the concerns of scholars with the clear understanding to maintain transparency in the recruitment process which is essential to attract qualified individuals and to foster senses of fairness and satisfaction among the scholars.