Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, May 6: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Atomic Energy and Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today presented certificates and testimonials to the first batch of Academicians and Scientists receiving a formal training course in administration and governance.
Dr. Jitendra Singh described the 3-day programme as a first-of-its-kind initiative jointly organised by the Indian National Science Academy and the Capacity Building Commission under the broader vision of Mission Karmayogi. He noted that the initiative emerged from discussions on the gap between scientific expertise and administrative preparedness, particularly for scientists at senior levels who often move into institutional leadership without formal training in governance systems, procurement rules, parliamentary procedures and public administration.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that scientific excellence alone is not sufficient to lead modern institutions, emphasising that scientists moving into leadership roles must also be equipped with governance, administrative and financial management capabilities. Addressing the valedictory session of the first INSA-CBC Administrative Training Programme at the Indian National Science Academy (INSA), New Delhi, the Minister highlighted the growing need for structured administrative training for scientists assuming institutional leadership responsibilities.
The Minister stated that India today stands at a critical juncture, with its scientific ecosystem making global contributions in areas ranging from space exploration and vaccine development to quantum technologies and deep-sea missions. However, he stressed that institutional leadership, resource management and strategic decision-making would be equally important in determining the future trajectory of India’s scientific growth. Referring to Mission Karmayogi, he said the initiative represents a shift from rule-based to role-based governance and from compliance-oriented administration to competence-driven public service.
Highlighting the importance of continuous capacity building, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the programme should not remain limited to a pilot initiative and called for its institutionalisation as a recurring national-level training platform. He also referred to the integration of such learning mechanisms with the iGOT Karmayogi platform, noting that digital platforms can help scale similar training initiatives across India’s scientific establishments.
Addressing the participants directly, the Minister urged them to apply the learnings from the programme within their respective organisations and emerge as change agents capable of improving institutional systems and governance practices. He emphasised that transparency, efficiency and accountability in the use of public resources are moral responsibilities attached to leadership positions in publicly funded scientific institutions.
Prof. Shekhar Mande, President, INSA, highlighted that the programme was conceptualised to strengthen the administrative and institutional capacity of scientists working across government scientific departments and organisations. He noted that 23 scientists from institutions including ICMR, CSIR, DSIR, DST, Ministry of Earth Sciences and DRDO participated in the programme, which covered themes such as administrative vigilance, strategic decision-making, leadership in science governance, public service values, financial management and public decision-making processes.
Dr. Brajesh Pandey, (Executive Director, INSA) highlighted that the programme reflected a larger effort to build institutional and administrative capacities within India’s scientific ecosystem. He underlined the importance of equipping scientific leaders with governance and management capabilities in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. He also referred to the role of emerging technologies, digital governance systems and collaborative institutional mechanisms in strengthening science administration and public service delivery.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 6: Displaced Kashmiri Pandits protested here on Wednesday against the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s move to integrate ration cards into the National Food Security Act (NFSA). Minor clashes broke out between demonstrators and police as they attempted to march towards the Relief Commissioner’s Office.

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Terming the move a “conspiracy” to dilute their migrant and genocide victim status, the protesters vowed to intensify agitation if the decision is not rolled back.
Hundreds of members of the displaced community, representing groups such as the United Alliance of Kashmiri Displaced Community, Panun Kashmir and various migrant camp residents, joined the protest march, which was also supported by Shiv Sena.
The protesters, including residents of Jagti, Purkhoo, Nagrota and Muthi migrant camps, assembled on the road outside the Relief Commissioner’s Office and raised slogans against implementation of the NFSA.
As they tried to move towards the office, a heavy police contingent stopped them, leading to brief scuffles and pushing between the two sides, said officials.
Police later dispersed the crowd. Afterwards, the protesters staged a sit-in and raised anti-Government slogans.
Community leaders described NFSA as a “black law” and a “trap” for Kashmiri Pandits, alleging that its implementation would dilute their distinct identity as displaced persons and affect their rehabilitation rights.
“It is a black law and a trap for the community to dilute their identity as genocide survivors. The discrepancies in this law amount to outright injustice. For 36 years, Kashmiri Pandits have suffered after their displacement, and now under NFSA, our identity is being diluted,” said Panun Kashmir convenor, Dr Agnishaker who also addressed the protestors.
“We urge the authorities to reconsider the decision pragmatically and address the community’s genuine concerns. In its present form, this is anti-community,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the upcoming census, demanding recognition of their distinct identity as internally displaced persons and victims of genocide.
“If our identity is not included, it will amount to erasing Kashmiri Pandits forever,” Agnishaker said.
Another leader, Arvind Kaul, alleged that their fundamental right to peaceful protest was being curtailed.
“It is our fundamental right to protest peacefully, but we are not even being allowed to do that,” he said, demanding restoration of their rights and continuation of the existing relief system.
He sought permanent rehabilitation for the displaced community, stating that they neither have homes nor their homeland, yet are being asked to register Kashmir as their permanent address.
Echoing similar sentiments, community leader Sunil Pandita said the displaced population would continue their struggle until a permanent and dignified resolution to their displacement is achieved.
“We strongly oppose these laws being imposed on us repeatedly. We will not step back until our demands are met,” he said.
The protesters warned of a larger agitation if their concerns are not addressed, reiterating their demand that the Government focus on rehabilitation in Kashmir rather than altering the relief distribution mechanism.
Those who addressed included Sunil Fotedar of Vision Kashmir, Veer Ji Raina of Thinkers Forum, Ravi Ji ASKPC, Youth 4 PK, Dilip Pandita Victims of Terrorism, Sunil Pandita of Jagti Migrant Welfare Movement, M K Razdan of Durga Nagar Committee, Buta Nagar Camp representatives, Mohan Lal Comrade, Bharat Kachroo, Desh Rattan of AIMCCC, Manesh Sawhney president, Shiv Sena, Ravinder Koul of Relief holders and Sanjay Chowgami.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 6: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has dismissed a writ petition filed by four Munsiffs seeking higher placement in the seniority list, holding that appointees accommodated against future vacancies cannot claim seniority over candidates appointed earlier against clear and available posts.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Sanjay Parihar delivered the judgment in SWP No. 1577/2018, filed by Tabassum Qadir Parray, Meyank Gupta, Sajad ur Rehman and Altaf Hussain Khan against the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and others.
The petitioners were represented by Advocate Salih Pirzada. The High Court was represented by Advocate M I Qadiri while Government Advocate Waseem Gul, Advocate Showkat Ali Khan and Government Advocate Faheem Nisar Shah appeared for the respondent.
The petitioners had challenged the seniority list of Munsiffs issued by the High Court vide order dated November 19, 2011, claiming that they should have been placed at serial numbers 16, 17, 18 and 26 respectively on the basis of their merit position in the selection list prepared by the J&K Public Service Commission.
The controversy arose out of a selection process initiated in 2008 for recruitment of Munsiffs. The High Court had requisitioned 31 vacant posts, including four backlog vacancies under the Scheduled Tribe category. However, due to an error in the vacancy reference, 35 posts were notified by the PSC and 35 candidates were recommended.
The Court noted that only 31 clear vacancies were actually available. Therefore, 31 candidates were appointed as Munsiffs vide Government order dated April 1, 2011, while the petitioners were not appointed at that stage as they were beyond the available vacancies.
Later, after fresh vacancies arose due to promotions, the petitioners were accommodated and appointed as Munsiffs vide Government order dated September 29, 2011. In the seniority list issued on November 19, 2011, they were placed below those who had been appointed earlier.
The petitioners argued that since their names figured in the same select list and their merit position was higher than some of the appointed candidates, their seniority ought to be fixed on the basis of merit rather than the date of appointment.
Rejecting the argument, the Division Bench held that the petitioners were not appointed simultaneously with those who had been appointed against clear vacancies. The Court observed that the petitioners were appointed later against future vacancies and, therefore, their date of first appointment had to be taken as September 29, 2011.
The Bench held that a candidate does not acquire an indefeasible right to appointment merely because his or her name appears in a select list, particularly when the selection is beyond the number of available vacancies. It further observed that the selection process legally came to an end with the appointment of 31 candidates against the available vacancies.
In strong observations, the Court said that the appointment of the petitioners against future vacancies was de hors the rules and irregular, if not void ab initio. The Bench further remarked that the High Court had taken a compassionate view by accommodating the petitioners against future vacancies and that they could not thereafter seek to overtake those who were regularly appointed earlier.
The Court also held that the petition was hit by delay and laches, as the seniority list had been finalized in 2011 and challenged only in 2018, after nearly seven years. During this period, the seniority position had already been acted upon and promotions to the rank of Sub-Judge had been made.
Relying on settled Supreme Court law, the Bench reiterated that seniority once settled and acted upon cannot be unsettled after a long delay, especially at the instance of persons who approach the court belatedly.
Dismissing the petition, the High Court held that the challenge to the seniority list was not only barred by delay and laches but was also devoid of merit.