Dr. Vikas Bhandari
Dr. Ashwani Kumar
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent directive to the administration to ban re-employment, extensions, additional charges, and attachments, except in extraordinary circumstances, has been widely welcomed. This progressive step is seen as a move to open up opportunities for younger professionals and reduce the concentration of power in the hands of bureaucrats who have overstayed their tenure. The initiative promises to refresh governance and foster greater dynamism within the administrative apparatus of the region.
However, while this move to curb re-employment is commendable, a far more concerning issue remains unaddressed: the extension of the retirement age for university professors from 62 to 65, a decision made by the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Council under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. This decision, presented as an extension of “academic excellence,” is not just a bureaucratic move-it is one that fundamentally affects the very nature of the academic ecosystem and the future of higher education in the region.
The extension of retirement age for professors is not a new practice in Jammu and Kashmir; it has long been a part of the region’s academic culture. What makes this decision even more troubling is that it seems pseudo-selective. The extension is not based on an objective, transparent criteria but rather on the claim of “academic excellence”-a vague and highly subjective measure. Critics argue that this is nothing more than a politically motivated decision, catering to a select group of individuals who are already entrenched in positions of power and influence within the academic sector.Such decisions, under the guise of merit, reinforce a system of patronage rather than genuine academic advancement, creating an environment where the political elite continue to hold power while younger, qualified individuals are left on the sidelines.
One of the most critical aspects to consider is the impact of these extensions on the mindset of professors, who are, in many ways, the intellectual architects of society. Professors are often seen as the “lens creators” of society-those who shape how the next generation views the world and contributes to the collective knowledge of humanity. By extending their tenure in the name of “merit,” the system perpetuates a mindset that values seniority over innovation, political loyalty over fresh ideas, and experience over new perspectives.
Philosophically, the notion of mercy in the form of extensions is deeply problematic. It is not simply an administrative decision; it carries a psychological weight that subtly alters the mentality of those professors who are granted these extensions. Rather than being motivated by a desire for continued academic contribution, such an extension can shift their mindset toward a sense of entitlement. Professors who have already contributed greatly to their fields may begin to see their roles as permanent, rather than temporary, reducing their drive to innovate or mentor younger academics. The idea that they are being “granted mercy” to continue working suggests a view of their role as one of entitlement rather than service-a fundamental shift from the idea of academia as a platform for dynamic, ever-evolving intellectual inquiry.
Furthermore, the longer a select group of professors occupies critical positions in universities, the more they become ingrained in the system, often resisting change and becoming less open to the ideas of younger scholars. Instead of encouraging a nurturing environment for new talent, their extended presence can create a closed ecosystem, where fresh ideas struggle to find space. The message sent to young scholars is clear: no matter how qualified or capable they may be, their place in the academic world will always be secondary to those with seniority and political ties. This undermines the very foundation of meritocracy and intellectual growth.
What is more troubling is that this practice disproportionately impacts the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom are highly educated but struggling with unemployment. With limited university intake capacity and senior professors holding onto their positions longer, young, qualified individuals are increasingly left with no space to enter the academic field. This not only stifles the professional aspirations of many but also prevents the academic community from evolving and adapting to newchallenges.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s recent ban on re-employment is a step in the right direction, but the issue of extending the retirement age for professors remains a critical concern.We urge Chief Minister Abdullah head of elected government to take a closer look at this issue. The government must prioritize the creation of a meritocratic academic environment where new ideas and fresh perspectives are valued above political loyalty and seniority. It is time to create a system where young scholars, rather than being sidelined, are given the chance to contribute to the academic landscape. This is not just a matter of employment; it is a matter of intellectual and societal growth.
[The authors are Assistant Professor (Political Science) at UILS, Chandigarh University; Assistant Professor (Sociology) at UILS, Chandigarh University.]
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