No contractual appointments as per UGC guidelines: Govt clarifies AP engagement in J&K

Jammu, Apr 07: In response to an unstarred question raised by Shakti Raj Parihar regarding the engagement of Assistant Professors on a contractual basis in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government has clarified that such appointments are not being made as per University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.
Instead, faculty is being engaged on a need basis under “Academic Arrangement” as Lecturers, Teaching Assistants, Physical Training Instructors (PTIs), and Librarians across various Government Degree Colleges in the Union Territory.
The Higher Education Department stated that these engagements are carried out in line with its own guidelines, formulated in consultation with engagement policies adopted by institutions across the country, including UGC’s recommendatory norms, while keeping in mind the local requirements of the colleges.
On the matter of salaries not being disbursed as per UGC norms, the department informed that the enhancement of remuneration for need-based academic arrangements was taken up with the Finance Department. However, the proposal was returned with certain observations, which are currently under review. Once the required clarifications are addressed, the case will be re-submitted to the Finance Department for approval.
The government highlighted that these temporary arrangements are aimed at filling the gap in permanent faculty positions during academic sessions and serve as internship-like opportunities for individuals who have completed higher studies such as Master’s or Ph.D. degrees. This, it says, helps them gain valuable teaching experience and improves their prospects for securing full-time academic positions in reputed institutions.
The Higher Education Department also emphasized its commitment to strengthening the academic workforce in the UT. In the last year alone, 476 permanent faculty appointments were made through the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), and further recruitments are underway.