RTI disclosure revealing that nearly 20 percent of sanctioned posts at the University of Kashmir are lying vacant paints a concerning picture of human resource mismanagement in one of the region’s premier educational institutions. Out of 2,859 sanctioned posts, 570 remain unfilled, with the bulk of these vacancies in critical academic and administrative roles. This chronic staff shortage threatens the university’s academic integrity, research output, and administrative functionality. The most striking gaps are in the faculty cadre-where 47 out of 56 Professor posts and 91 out of 120 Associate Professor positions are unoccupied. Assistant Professor vacancies add to the burden, along with key posts like deans, directors, and academic coordinators lying unfilled. A lack of leadership at this level not only affects daily operations but also undermines strategic planning, curriculum development, and the mentorship students desperately need.
The problem extends beyond academics. With 110 junior assistant vacancies, along with multiple administrative and support roles-including auditors, typists, computer operators, and engineers-unfilled, the efficiency of the university’s bureaucratic machinery is deeply compromised. It is no surprise that crucial departments such as the Directorate of Internal Quality Assurance and Physical Education are struggling without adequate leadership and support staff. This systemic shortfall raises many pressing questions. The consequences of such vacancies are far-reaching. They affect the student-teacher ratio, compromise research quality, reduce course offerings, delay administrative processes, and ultimately diminish the university’s reputation. Moreover, students-especially from marginalised backgrounds who rely on public institutions-bear the brunt of these inefficiencies.
Urgent corrective action is needed. The university must conduct an internal audit to identify bottlenecks in recruitment and push for immediate, time-bound hiring. The Government must also prioritise funding and streamline approval mechanisms for filling vacant posts. The University of Kashmir holds a vital role in shaping the intellectual and socio-economic fabric of the region. Dilly-dallying tactics are not in anyone’s interest. Allowing it to function at 80 percent of its human potential is not just inefficient-it’s a disservice to students, faculty, and the future of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir.
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