MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): Serious questions have been raised over the transparency of the recent recruitment process in the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) after reports of differences within the selection committee and allegations of irregularities surfaced.
According to sources, the selection committee was constituted under the chairmanship of the Director Administration and included the Deputy Director Administration and Deputy Director Operations/Academic as members.
However, informed sources claimed that one member allegedly refused to endorse decisions against merit and expressed reservations over the overall recruitment procedure.
As per reports, as a result of this difference, the committee was practically reduced to two members, which is considered incomplete as per the rules and regulations. Despite this, interviews of candidates were reportedly conducted in Neelum and Jhelum Valley, which is itself a questionable aspect.
The refusal of the dissenting member to sign certain controversial documents makes the entire process of possible appointments legally and ethically questionable.
Applicants have also questioned the recruitment process, stating that each candidate was charged Rs500 per application, while additional affidavit-related payments were deposited into the Stamps Department account.
Candidates alleged that despite collecting significant fees, the outcome of the recruitment process appeared to have been predetermined.
According to the data, about 50 applications were received for one seat in Jhelum Valley, 40 for two seats in Neelum, and about 150 for two posts in Muzaffarabad, due to which a considerable amount of money is being collected in terms of application fee alone.
Moreover, sources claimed that the recruitment process was used as a mere formality by the competent authorities to make the already appointed temporary teachers permanent.
Names including Azmat Bibi in Lipa, Nusrat and Uzma Zafar in Muzaffarabad, and Shazia and Salma in Neelum have emerged in discussions as possible candidates for permanent appointments.
A delegation consisting of relatives of the affected female candidates met Advocate Syed Sajid Naqvi, Member Central Bar Association and young lawyer, in Patika Naseerabad and informed him about the alleged irregularities.
The delegation said that their interviews have been conducted, but there are reports that only the already appointed temporary teachers are being made permanent.
Speaking about the matter, Advocate Sajid Naqvi said, “If the TEVTA administration does injustice to any candidate based on merit, I will fight their case free of charge. We will take this matter to every legal forum and will not rest until the merit is restored. No one has the right to take away the rights of deserving candidates.”
Civil society members, academic circles and affected candidates have demanded a transparent inquiry into the entire recruitment process and urged the authorities to ensure merit and take strict action if any irregularities are proven.
